The New England Patriots have gotten the ball rolling on keeping one of their core defensive stars in place for the next few seasons.
Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reports that the Patriots are signing star linebacker Jahlani Tavai to a three-year, $15 million extension.
The #Patriots and LB Jahlani Tavai have agreed to a 3-year extension worth $15M, with the potential to reach $21M via incentives, per @MikeReiss. Tavai, a former 2nd-round pick of the Lions, had a career year with 110 tackles and 16 starts last season. pic.twitter.com/pY00OmLUUN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 2, 2024
According to Meirov, “The #Patriots and LB Jahlani Tavai have agreed to a 3-year extension worth $15M, with the potential to reach $21M via incentives, per @MikeReiss. Tavai, a former 2nd-round pick of the Lions, had a career year with 110 tackles and 16 starts last season.”
Tavai had an amazing 2023 season, securing 110 total tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, four quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss.
Initially, Tavai was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he secured 58 total tackles, two sacks, one interception, three quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss.
After spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Lions, Tavai was released in Sep. 2021. The Patriots would sign him to their practice squad, reuniting him with Matt Patricia. He would be activated to the regular roster on Oct. 13, 2021.
Though he began the 2022 season as a backup, he would become a starter by Week 5. Tavai finished the season with 69 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, four quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss.
Tavai is a core member of the linebacker corps that includes Matthew Judon, Ja’Whaun Bentley, and Joshua Uche.
With new head coach Jerod Mayo being the former linebackers coach for the Patriots and being of a defensive mind, he likely wants to ensure the team retains its core defensive unit together. Tavai’s new contract will keep him through the 2026 season.
Mayo has a tall task ahead of him, given that the Patriots have been on the outside looking in within the AFC the past two seasons. After a stellar rookie season from quarterback Mac Jones, things began to go awry. The team finished 8-9 in 2022 and 4-13 in 2023.
Longtime and legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was relieved of his duties, ushering in a new era with Mayo at the helm.
The quarterback situation for the team is still a question mark, as rookie Drake Maye appears not ready to be the starter, even though he was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett will assume the role as starter and hopes to lead the Patriots to relevancy in the AFC and AFC East, which will be highly competitive.
The Patriots will need a strong defense to take on the high-powered offenses being trotted out by Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets.
Uncommon Knowledge
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