ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mike Reiss tweeted that linebacker Jahlani Tavai and the New England Patriots have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $21 million. The contract has a base value of $15 million, and he can earn the remaining $6 million through incentives and performance-based bonuses.
The former University of Hawaii standout came off a breakout season, finishing with a career-high 110 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a sack. Tavai has become an integral part of the Patriots' defensive unit, which is among the league's best.
Filed to ESPN (with @AdamSchefter): Patriots and LB Jahlani Tavai agree on a 3-year extension. The maximum value is $21 million, with a base value of $15 million per source.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 2, 2024
The $7 million annual average salary in Tavai's new contract is exponentially higher than the $1.265 million base salary he will get in 2024. That amount is part of his two-year, $4.4 million contract signed after joining the Patriots in November 2022.
Before playing for New England, the Detroit Lions selected Tavai in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he lasted there for only two seasons before getting released. Tavai initially signed up for the Patriots practice squad before getting elevated to the active roster. Joining the Patriots reunited him with former Lions head coach Matt Patricia.
In 78 career games, the linebacker has 309 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, nine passes defended, five forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 4.5 sacks. Tavai joins David Andrews, Rhamondre Stevenson, Christian Barmore, Kyle Dugger, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, and Josh Uche in the list of Patriots players who earned new contracts this season.
-Lance Fernandez
