The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal with former Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Per Pelissero, the deal is for two years, $6.5 million with an ability to reach upwards of $10 million in incentives.
Takitaki is a former 2019 third-round draft pick, who spent his previous five seasons in Cleveland. This move was an obvious response to the Patriots losing Mack Wilson to the Arizona Cardinals.
Takitaki can handle the role as an off-ball linebacker with the ability to also contribute on special teams.
He started in seven games and was in on 61 percent of the defensive snaps for the Browns last season, along with contributing in 30 percent of the special teams snaps.
It’s a two-year, $6.5 million deal that can be worth up to $10M with some likely to be earned incentives for Sione Takitaki with New England, per source. https://t.co/6nH6FjDdDU
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024
Overall, Takitaki finished the year with 65 tackles, three tackles for a loss and two sacks.
His ability to contribute in multiple roles will come in handy on a Patriots defense that more than held its own in 2023.