The Patriots has completed the signing of a superstar player
According to sources, the New England Patriots have extended linebacker Jahlani Tavai for three more seasons.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter, the Patriots have signed linebacker Jahlani Tavai to a three-year contract extension worth up to $21 million. Tavai was due to become a free agency after the 2024 season, but he is currently signed with New England through 2027.
Tavai was a second-round choice, taken 41st overall by the Lions under Matt Patricia in 2019, and he spent two seasons in Detroit, starting 16 games and totaling 58 tackles in 2019 and 2020. However, he was a camp casualty late in the summer of 2021 and promptly joined the Patriots’ practice squad. Tavai was upgraded to the active roster in early October, and his role and contributions with the Patriots have grown since then.
In 2021, he featured in 13 games with the Patriots, playing only 56 defensive snaps but finding a position on special teams. In 2022, he played 50% of the defensive snaps, and in 2023, it increased to 74%.
Tavai was a very athletic linebacker considering his size, and New England’s game plan defense took advantage of his versatility and high-energy performance. He can seamlessly transition from off the ball to the edge and make game-changing moves from either position.
Tavai had his most productive season yet in 2023, recording two interceptions, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, and an interception in addition to his career-high 110 combined tackles. Despite a disappointing year with only four wins, Tavai was a consistent presence on the field and a critical element of a defense that maintained a high level of performance.
Tavai, who will turn 28 in September, is just entering his prime and will now do so in a defense that has finally realized his draft potential, making him a critical building piece for the Patriots’ defense in the future.
He is the eighth Patriot since 2023 to sign a multi-year contract with the team under its new administration, joining Hunter Henry (three-year deal), Kyle Dugger (four-year deal), Christian Barmore (four-year deal), Anfernee Jennings (three-year deal), Kendrick Bourne (three-year deal), Michael Onwenu (three-year deal), and Rhamondre Stevenson (four-year deal).
