Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, a key part of the Patriots’ defense since he arrived in 2018 as a fifth-round pick out of Purdue, is set to be released.

Bentley, a longtime captain, took to social media Friday afternoon to say goodbye: “Thank you for Everything!! It’s Been a Blessing.” A league source confirmed that the move is expected to be made official Friday afternoon.

Bentley, who was limited to two games last season because of a torn pectoral muscle, had been with the team for seven seasons and played in 83 regular-season games. The 6-foot-2-inch, 250-pounder led the team in tackles in 2002 and ‘23.

The Patriots have added inside linebackers Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbons, and outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, in free agency this offseason. They join a group that includes holdovers Jahlani Tavai, Anferneee Jennings, and Christian Elliss (who signed a deal worth a guaranteed $7.5 million to return).

Last season, the 28-year-old Bentley was one of a dwindling number of players who remained from the Patriots’ Super Bowl era. However, over the last couple of months, Bentley, defensive end Deatrich Wise, and cornerback Jonathan Jones have been released or signed elsewhere. Long snapper Joe Cardona stands as the last remaining link to the team that won the Super Bowl against the Rams in February 2019.

Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @cpriceglobe.