The New England Patriots have given linebacker Jahlani Tavai a three-year extension, national outlets reported on Tuesday.
Tavai, a University of Hawaii alumnus, was scheduled to earn $1.625 million for the 2024 season, his last on his previous contract. His new deal carries a value of $15 million (an average of $5 million per season) with the possibility of reaching $21 million, according to ESPN.
He has appeared in every Patriots game over the last two years. He enjoyed a career year in 2023, with personal bests of 110 tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended and two forced fumbles.
Tavai was an All-Mountain West first-team selection at UH his sophomore year of 2016 and a second-teamer in 2017. He finished as an honorable mention in an injury-shortened senior year.
The Detroit Lions drafted him with the 43rd overall pick in 2019. He played there for two years, then latched on as a practice squad member with New England in 2021.
New England opens practices July 24.
Brian McInnis covers the state's sports scene for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at brian.mcinnis@charter.com.
