FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Linebacker Jahlani TavaiHe has become a productive starter for the New England PatriotsAfter not panting out with the Detroit LionsA source told ESPN’s Field Yates that he has accepted a $4.4million contract extension for two years.
Tavai played in 10 games with six starts this season. He has totaled 37 tackles as well as 1.5 sacks.
He is versatile enough to play both outside and inside linebacker roles, which has allowed him to be a productive player. This year, he played 52.4% of defensive snaps.
This is a remarkable turnaround for Tavai, 26, who was a highly-regarded second-round draft pick of the Lions in 2019.
Tavai, who was a star at Hawaii College, only lasted two seasons in Detroit. He was a long-time assistant to New England head coach Matt Patricia and eventually followed him to the Patriots for 2021. Before signing to the 53-man roster, Tavai was part of the Patriots practice squad. He was mostly a backup player.
Tavai, a 6-foot-2, 246 pounder, has teamed up this year with starter Ja’Whaun Bentley To form an early-down combination of 1-2 and also play a crucial role on the punt protection unit.
Tavai will also receive an $850,000 signing bonus and his cap cost will increase by $383,000 for this season.
Thursday night will see the Bills (8-3), take on the Patriots (6-5) The Patriots defense has not forced the Bills into punting in either of the previous two matches between these teams.