The name Jahlani Tavai does not conjure up fond memories for the Detroit Lions. As a second-round pick by the Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft, the linebacker from Hawaii failed to live up to the expectations commensurate with being the No. 43 overall pick.
Tavai washed out of Detroit after two underwhelming seasons in Matt Patricia’s defense. He struggled with the speed-in-space of the NFL game and failed to make the Lions in 2021, the first year of the Dan Campbell regime.
It took some time for Tavai to find his NFL footing, but the linebacker has emerged as a good starter for the New England Patriots. Now, New England has rewarded Tavai with a three-year contract extension worth as much as $21 million. Tavai, now 27, racked up over 100 tackles, intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles.
The $15 million base extension is slightly more than what the Lions are paying 2023 first-round rookie Jack Campbell for the same timeframe. It’s a good redemptive deal for Tavai, who has made himself into a quality NFL starter after a very inauspicious start for the Lions.