Patriots, veteran LB agree to extension

This agreement contains a base value of $15M, but the pair add it can reach a maximum of $21M. Tavai was set to enter a walk year following the conclusion of his most recent Pats extension, but now he will be on the books through 2027. The 27-year-old has been in New England for the past three seasons, and he has emerged as a key figure on the team’s defense.

Tavai began his career with the Lions, spending a pair of seasons in the Motor City. The former second-rounder’s debut Patriots campaign saw him make 13 appearances without any starts following his Detroit release. In the two years since then, however, he has seen defensive snap shares of 50% and 76%. Tavai is set to continue as a first-team contributor for years to come at the second level of the team’s defense.

The Hawaii alum was due $1.88M in 2024, but none of his base salary was guaranteed. This new deal represents a notable raise and a sign of confidence from Eliot Wolf and Co. that Tavai will continue to produce. He posted a career-high 69 tackles in 2022 before upping that figure to 110 last season. Over the past two years, Tavai has added a pair of interceptions, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Remaining a consistent performer over the life of this pact could prove to make this a solid investment from the team’s perspective.

New England has been busy in 2024 with respect to retaining and extending returning players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The likes of defensive tackle Christian Barmore and safety Kyle Dugger agreed to bog-ticket pacts during the spring. In the linebacking core, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings both worked out deals of their own. The Patriots — a team which ranked seventh in total defense last season — will thus have plenty of familiar faces in place for 2024.

Armed with over $44M in cap space entering Tuesday, absorbing a deal such as this will not be a problem for New England from a financial standpoint. Tavai was due to count $3.16M against the cap in 2024, and that figure could change once this pact is official. Regardless of if that is the case, though, he will be a central member of the Patriots’ defensive plan for several more years.