The New England Patriots have secured yet another key player by agreeing to a three-year contract extension with linebacker Jahlani Tavai. ESPN reported that the deal includes a base value of $15 million, which could potentially escalate to $21 million. Tavai, 27, was set to enter the final season of a two-year extension he had signed back in November 2022. Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Tavai was cut from the Lions’ roster at the beginning of the 2021 regular season. He then joined the Patriots’ practice squad and has remained with the team ever since.
In the past season, Tavai had a standout performance, recording 110 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four QB hits, one sack, and two interceptions. The Patriots have been proactive this offseason in re-signing players who are in the final year of their contracts. Tavai is the most recent player to agree to a new deal, following in the footsteps of teammates like running back Rhamondre Stevenson, defensive tackle Christian Barmore, and center David Andrews.