Patriots fans urge GM to call recently released linebacker about signing to roster

Expectations were high for the Patriots going into 2024 free agency with some of the most cap space available to spend on much-needed players. With a new head coach and general manager making the calls for the first time in over two decades, coupled with Jerod Mayo's "burn some cash" comments, the team looked on pace to do just that.

As we know, that's not exactly what happened. Instead, the new regime seemed to follow the Bill Belichick school of thought regarding how to spend money even when your team needs you to spend more.

It's a decision that already seems to haunt the team as they head into Week 6 against the Texans with a 1-4 record. Although the roster's shortcomings are not all due to the lack of top-quality additions, since several of the team's best players have been injured, the lack of depth was still a concern heading into the season and has proven to be worrisome through the first five games.

That is partly why many Patriots fans insist the team get on the phone to inquire about a recently released linebacker who some believe could be an adequate addition to the defensive line with Ja'Whaun Bentley out for the rest of the season.

Despite the clear reason for his release, the run blocking and pass rush have taken a massive hit in Bentley's absence, so fans hope that the former first-round pick and Pro Bowler could bring some stability for the rest of the year.

Devin White's release has Patriots fans begging Eliot Wolf to get on the phone

Devin White was the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly ascended as one of the best defensive linemen in the league. He was named a Second-Team All-Pro in his second year and earned his first Pro Bowl honors the following season.

He was a name on the rise and a desirable player during his five years with the Buccaneers, especially when he was rumored to be a potential trade candidate last season. Instead, he remained with the team until his contract expired and signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in free agency earlier this year.

Things didn't go well once he arrived in Philadelphia, and the concerns about his declining performance while in the NFC South reared its ugly head with his new team. It led to him being a healthy scratch for the first month of the season, ultimately resulting in his release earlier this week.

Regardless, his potential and explosive past have Patriots fans interested in adding him to the team. He's only 26 years old, and the hope is that he could return to the player he once was in general, but especially if he's in the right situation, which could be New England.

Given his less-than-impressive stint with the Eagles and concerns about his performance before that, it would seem as though the Patriots could acquire him far cheaper than had they signed him as a free agent this past offseason. It could be worth making the call, maybe even having him work out to see if the reason for his benching in Philadelphia is clearly evident.

But it wouldn't be surprising if the team is confident with who they have on the roster as it is since that is the belief they have had regarding other needy positions on the team, and they have shown no interest in signing anyone to help this season.

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