Tavai was originally set to reach unrestricted free agency following the year.
The New England Patriots have continued an offseason trend of extending their own players. This time with linebacker Jahlani Tavai.
According to ESPN, Tavai has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth a maximum value of $21 million, with base value of $15 million.
This marks Tavai’s second contract extension with New England, as he was set to enter the final season of the two-year extension he inked with the team back in November 2022. He was originally set to earn a base salary of $1.625 million in 2024.
The 27-year old has come into his own since joining New England in 2021 as a versatile hybrid linebacker who play inside and outside. At 6-foot-2, 255-pounds, Tavai can take on bodies in the run game while his plus instincts have allowed him to succeed as a zone coverage defender.
Last season, Tavai finished a career-year with 110 tackles, 35 run stops, 13 quarterback pressures, two interceptions, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. The success resulted in him finishing as PFF’s fourth-ranked linebacker with an 86.5 grade.
After focusing on re-signing many of their unrestricted free agents this offseason, first-year executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf has now focused on upcoming free agents. In addition to Tavai, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, center David Andrews, defensive tackle Christian Barmore all received contract extensions in the final year of their deals.
Entering the offseason with north of $80 million in cap space, the Patriots still have roughly $40 million remaining as they enter the 2024 season.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login