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 Sione Takitaki.
Sione Takitaki
The Cleveland Browns selected Tavai in the third round (No. 80 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Takitaki played collegiately for the BYU Cougars. He played primarily as a core special teams player as a rookie in 2020, but by his second season, he was a regular in the rotation at linebacker. Takitaki totaled 67 tackles (41 solo) with a sack and a pick-six in 2021.
Takitaki remained a core special teams player throughout his time in Cleveland. However, his best years were 2020 and 2021. He recorded nine tackles each season, including eight solo in 2020. His defensive snaps waned in 2021, despite coming off a solid season. However, he played over 60% of the defensive snaps each of the past two seasons.
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Sione Takitaki recorded 136 tackles (81 solo) and seven tackles for loss over the past two seasons. He added 3.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. Takitaki proved he is a capable defender.
Over his five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Takitaki appeared in 72 of 83 games. He amassed 268 tackles (157 solo), 14 TFL, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Pro Football Focus gave Tavai a 70.7 defensive grade for his 2023 performance. It was the highest of his career. However, Takitaki has been extremely consistent, with a career-low grade of 64.4 as a rookie.
Contract Status
Sione Takitaki agreed to a two-year contract with the New England Patriots earlier this offseason. The average cap hit is just over $3.6 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 Sione Takitaki
Based on the timing of the signing and the type of player Sione is, it is apparent New England signed him as a replacement for Mack Wilson Sr. This entails being a core special teams player who also can contribute on defense. Wilson filled his role admirably a season ago. The Patriots would be thrilled to get similar production from Takitaki in 2024.
Also fighting for that role on the Patriots defense is Raekwon McMillan. There are roster spots for both players on the 53-man roster, though one will likely get more of a look on defense.
Sione Takitaki has proven himself to be a reliable defensive player. He was one of the first outside players brought in by the new regime of the New England Patriots. This indicates faith in him being a productive performer for the Patriots in 2024. The team did not use any draft capital on the position, nor did they bring in any other veteran free agents. Takitaki appears set to take over Wilson’s role and be prepared to spell Tavai and Bentley as needed. Like Tavai, a change of scenery could help Takitaki transition from a solid reserve to a reliable core player for the Patriots. Stay tuned.
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