New England Patriots Have Extended Key Defensive Player

In keeping with their off-season MO, another veteran has been retained. The New England Patriots have extended a key defensive player, Jahlani Tavai. As reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter, the patriots are giving the linebacker a three-year extension. The deal has a base value of $15 million and worth up to $21 million. Getting this deal done will keep Tavai with the Patriots at least through the 2027 season. Thus avoiding Tavai hitting free agency at the end of the 2024 season.

Tavai was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft with the 43rd overall pick. In his rookie year he played in 15 games in six starts. He recorded 58 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, two passes defensed and an interception. After a promising start to his career he was sidelined with a shoulder injury in Week 16 and was placed on injured reserve on December 23, 2019. Although he played in Detroit in 2020, he was waived on August 31, 2021 as part of the final pre-season roster cuts.

But he got a fresh start when he was signed to the Patriots practice squad in September 2021. Eventually he became a starter on October 13 and played 56 defensive snaps and found a role with special teams. In 2022 and 2023, Tavai appeared in all 17 regular-season games with 28 starts. His 107 tackles in 2023 tied with safety Kyle Dugger and just behind linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.

Tavai is described this way by patriots.com: ‘A surprisingly athletic linebacker for his size, New England’s game plan defense made full use of Tavai’s versatility and high-energy play. He can effortlessly shift from off the ball to the edge and make game-changing plays from either spot.’  

New England Patriots Have Extended Key Defensive Player

Tavai continues to be a key contributor to the Patriots’ defense. As reported by patriots.com, he becomes the eighth Patriot from 2023 to sign a multi-year contract with the team. A list that includes Hunter Henry (three-year deal)and Kyle Dugger (four-year deal). Also 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).

On a side note, the Patriots drafted QB Drake Maye and hope that he will be their franchise quarterback. However, nine-year veteran Jacoby Brissett likely will be named the starter. The goal would be to have Brissett start for most of the season. Then let Maye take over the offense around Week 13. That way he’ll have some starting experience and can then hit the ground running in the 2025 season.

We will see how the 2024 season shapes up for the Patriots.

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