The New England Patriots may have taken quarterback Drake Maye 3rd overall at this year’s NFL Draft, but most would agree that their ultimate on field success or failure in 2024 will be reliant on their defence.
To that end, the Pats front office took care of another tidy piece of business on Tuesday, locking up linebacker Jahlani Tavai for the next 3 years on a $15M extension. The deal, which was first reported by Mike Garafolo, has a reported maximum value of $21M if all performance bonuses are achieved.
The 27 year old LB is coming off a career year in Foxborough, with 110 tackles, 2 INTs, and 1 sack across 17 games for New England. Tavai was entering the final year of his previous extension, signed back in 2022, but will now be tied to the organization through 2027.
A former 2nd round pick by the Lions in 2019, Tavai had trouble carving out a role for himself in Detroit. However, after joining the Patriots’ practice squad in 2021, he’s steadily earned the trust of coaches and teammates alike, and has seen his usage increase substantially.
The 6’2″ 255lbs Hawaii alum recorded the 2nd most tackles for New England in 2023, trailing only LB Ja’Whaun Bentley who posted 114.
Taivai’s new deal follows a series of “in house deals” this offseason by the Patriots who have also signed RB Rhamondre Stevenson, C David Andrews, OT Mike Onwenu, EDGE Josh Uche, DT Christian Barmore, S Kyle Dugger, TE Hunter Henry amongst others to new contracts.
That level of continuity will be crucial not only in helping new QB Drake Maye adjust to the NFL, but also avoids new Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo needing to start from square 1 in his rookie season on the sidelines.
Photo: Bobak Ha’Eri. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.