The New England Patriots agreed to a three-year extension with linebacker Jahlani Tavai on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter. The extension has a base value of $15 million and can be worth up to $21 million.
Tavai was a key cog in the Patriots’ defense last season. He recorded 65 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in 2023.
He first came to New England after being released by the Detroit Lions back in September 2021. New England signed him to their practice squad and promoted him to the active roster on October 13.
He signed a two-year, $4.4 million extension with the Patriots in November 2022.
Filed to ESPN (with @AdamSchefter): Patriots and LB Jahlani Tavai are in agreement on a 3-year extension. Maximum value of $21 million, with base value of $15 million, per sources.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 2, 2024
This move ensures continuity and consistency on the defense.
The Patriots organization has made it a priority to re-sign in-house players this offseason. Tavai is a player who certainly fits the bill of a present and future difference-maker on the roster.
At only 27 years old, he’ll look to continue his upward trajectory for a Patriots team leaning heavily on the production of its defense to be competitive.