The New England Patriots have decided to part ways with linebacker Jahlani Tavai, despite having one year remaining on his contract extension. The 29-year-old veteran saw limited action last season after being a regular starter for the team over the past five years.
Multiple sources confirmed Monday that the New England Patriots have decided to part ways with linebacker Jahlani Tavai as free agency approaches.
The 29-year-old defender still had one season remaining on his three-year, $16 million extension that he inked before the 2024 campaign. Tavai has been with the Patriots for five seasons, earning starting positions in 51 out of 76 total appearances during his time in New England.
This past season marked a significant decline in Tavai’s playing time, as he appeared in only 12 contests with seven starts, a sharp drop from his 16 starts in each of the two previous years. His statistical production also fell dramatically, recording 42 tackles compared to over 110 in each of the past two seasons, along with four tackles behind the line of scrimmage and one forced fumble.
During New England’s playoff run, Tavai contributed in two of the team’s four postseason contests, tallying eight tackles.
Originally selected by Detroit in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Tavai spent his first two professional seasons with the Lions before joining the Patriots. Throughout his career spanning 107 games with 67 starts, he has registered 466 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, 14 defended passes, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
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