Linebacker Jahlani Tavai has turned in a productive 2022 campaign for the New England Patriots and now has earned a two-year contract extension.
According to a report by Field Yates of ESPN on Tuesday, Tavai signed a two-year, $4.4 million extension through 2024 with an $850k signing bonus.
Tavai has played in 11 games this season, with seven starts, totaling 38 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and has contributed on special teams for the punt return unit. He has played 52% of all defensive snaps this season.
The #Patriots are keeping LB Jahlani Tavai around for the next two seasons. Plays on/off the ball, stout run defender, can play the curl/flat as a zone-dropper, core special teamer. Has blossomed into a solid role player. pic.twitter.com/dAzexz1pRn
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) November 29, 2022
“Jahlani’s done a good job for us. Played a lot of football, on every down. Smart versatile player that’s earned playing time” said head coach Bill Belichick.
The extension completes a career turnaround for the former 2019 second-round pick. Tavai was once viewed as a draft bust by the Detroit Lions after lasting only two seasons under then-head coach Matt Patrica.
Tavai would follow his old coach to New England, joining the Patriots practice squad and ultimately earning a promotion to the 53-man roster. He appeared in 11 games as a backup middle linebacker in 2021, finishing with 14 total tackles.
“It’s a big thing for me, my second contract. I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to play football,” Tavai said about his new deal.
https://twitter.com/NBCSCameraGuys/status/1597677572459937792?s=20&t=1qnqeyCeWVOxFbaKS8bUMw
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