Jahlani Tavai’s tenure in Foxborough has ended after five seasons.
The New England Patriots informed the veteran linebacker of his release on Monday, per a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Tavai, 29, was under contract through 2027 after reaching a three-year extension worth a $16 million base value ahead of training camp in 2024. He was due $3 million in base salary next campaign and carried a cap number of $5.223 million. According to Miguel Benzan of PatsCap, the move will result in $2.887
in total dead money.
Landing at Gillette Stadium as a member of the practice squad in 2021, Tavai went on to appear in 76 games, including 51 starts. The University of Hawaii product had a hand in 350 tackles and 3.5 sacks while intercepting three passes and forcing three fumbles. Off the ball, off the edges and in a core role, he amassed 2,606 snaps on defense and 1,293 snaps on special teams along the way.
Tavai began the 2025 season injured reserve before being activated in October. In January, on the road to Super Bowl LX, the 6-foot-2, 255-pound linebacker was named the team’s recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.
Selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft at No. 43 overall, Tavai spent the initial two years of his career with the Detroit Lions before being let go at the 53-man roster deadline. He stands 107 games into his run.
The league’s negotiating window opens at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. The official start of free agency arrives at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
