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Patriots 90-Man Roster Spotlight: Jahlani Tavai

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New England Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) celebrates with line backer Jahlani Tavai (48) after a stop during the second half an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

The New England Patriots can have up to 90 players under contract during the offseason. Patriots Football Now will profile all 90 players (though there are currently 91 on the roster) over the upcoming months. Today’s featured player is linebacker Jahlani Tavai.



Jahlani Tavai

The Detroit Lions selected Tavai in the second round (No. 43 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Tavai played collegiately for the Hawaii Rainbows. His second season was his most productive, as he led the conference in solo tackles (85) and tackles for a loss (19.5). He played in 31 of 32 games during his first two NFL seasons with the Lions. Former New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was Detroit’s head coach when they drafted Tavai. Patricia was fired 11 games into the 2020 season.

In those first two years, Tavai amassed 116 tackles, He played over 50% of the defensive snaps both seasons. However, despite decent production and being a former second-round selection, Detroit released Tavai before the 2021 season. New England, who had brought Patricia back to their staff, signed him to the practice squad. On Oct. 13, 2021, Tavai signed with the Patriots active roster, where he remained ever since.

Tavai played primarily as a special teams player for the remainder of the 2021 season (13 games). He played only 56 defensive snaps versus 195 on special teams.

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Jahlani Tavai remained a core special teams player for New England over the next two seasons. He played at least 330 special teams snaps in 2022 and 2023. However, he also began to make his presence felt on defense. Tavai finished the 2022 season with a career-high 69 tackles. He took over the starting role from Raekwon McMillan and started 12 games.

The 2023 season was Tavai’s big breakout. He set career highs across the board. Tavai registered 110 tackles (65 solo). He added five passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack. Jahlani Tavai’s outstanding play earned him the 2023 Tom Brady Award from Patriots Football Now as New England’s Most Valuable Player.

Pro Football Focus gave Tavai an 86.6 grade in 2023. It ranked third among all NFL linebackers and first in the AFC. It was the second year in a row of setting a personal best. Tavai scored a 73.5 in 2022.

Contract Status

Jahlani Tavai agreed to a contract extension with the New England Patriots earlier this month. The three-year deal pays $15 million with a max value of $21 million.

Linebacker Group

The New England Patriots have Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai slated to start at linebacker. The reserves include Sione Takitaki, Raekwon McMillan, Christian Elliss, Joe Giles-Harris, Jontrey Hunter, and Steele Chambers.

Outlook for Jahlani Tavai

Eliot Wolf has stated he wants to do things “The Packer Way” in New England. The three keys are drafting well, developing players, and extending core players. Based on the extension Tavai received, it is clear the Patriots view him as a core player. His deal seems like an extreme bargain if he can replicate his 2023 production in the coming years.

It will be interesting to see if Tavai continues to play 300-plus snaps on special teams now that he has become such a key member of the Patriots’ defense. That role might be served by reserves, though the full workload did not hinder Tavai’s performance in 2023.

Jahlani Tavai has found a home with the New England Patriots. He was a bright spot in a dim 2023 season. Having played in 38 straight games, he has proven durable, versatile, and productive. He has good enough size to stuff the run game while having enough speed to excel in the open field. Tavai has a nose for finding the football, which was seen often last season. There is good reason why he was named team MVP last season, and why Eliot Wolf wanted to keep him around for more seasons to come.

Award-winning blogger, Dan's work has also been featured on Fox Sports, Boston Metro, Barstool Sports, MLB.com, and many other outlets.

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