FOXBORO — Between the time the Patriots last hit the field for minicamp and began preparing for their return this week with the start of training camp, the front office kept busy.

In late June, the Patriots extended wide receiver DeVante Parker on a 2-year, $10.8 million contract with $9.1 million in guarantees. Parker can make up to $33 million over the length of his revised 3-year deal. Parker, who had been entering a contract year, caught 31 passes for 539 yards and three touchdowns last season. He is now signed through 2025.

A day later, the team inked linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to another extension and kept him from hitting the open market next spring. His new deal adds two years worth $13.1 million, including $9 million guaranteed. Bentley is coming off a career year when he posted 125 tackles, three sacks, six QB hits and two pass deflections.

Why did the Pats jump to extend them?

“Every year, obviously, we talk to players who are on the last year of their contract or (restricted free agents) or whatever it is, and we were able to reach an agreement with him. It was great,” Pats coach Bill Belichick said. “And (Ja’Whaun) Bentley. Two players that are two good players who were under contract in the future, so it’s great. Glad we were able to work it out with both players.

Specific to the 26-year-old Bentley, Belichick said he’s shown steady and consistent improvement. Belichick also noted his playing time has almost doubled from three years ago.

“Obviously he’s taken on a bigger role in the communication defensively without Devin (McCourty). Which he (communicated) anyways, but he’s stepped out a little bit more,” Belichick said. “Somebody has to be the decision-maker defensively, and it’s fallen a little bit more to him in certain situations and so forth.

“On and off the field, great worker, good leader, good leader. Very positive voice and communicator on defense, good football player.”