Player News
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Tavai and the Patriots agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year extension with a $15 million base value, and that can reach $21 million with incentives, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports. Tavai has entrenched himself as a key member of New England's starting linebacker corps, playing a hybrid ILB/OLB role that saw him record 110 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in 17 games last season. He now joins DT Christian Barmore, RB Rhamondre Stevenson and C David Andrews as players who were entering the final year of their contracts but have re-signed under new coach Jerod Mayo. Tavai is well positioned to repeat as a worthwhile fantasy option in IDP formats in new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington's scheme.
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Tavai recorded 110 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in 17 games with the Patriots during the 2023 regular season. Per Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, Tavai finished the campaign as Pro Football Focus' fourth-ranked linebacker with an 86.5 grade, while taking a step forward as a hybrid ILB/OLB for the team. It's a role that the 2019 second-rounder is slated to reprise, with Tavai signed with New England through the 2024 season.
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Tavai (teeth) was a limited participant at the Patriots' practice Thursday. Tavai appears to be dealing with a mouth injury to open the week, logging limited sessions both Wednesday and Thursday. It's unclear if he's in danger of missing Sunday's contest against the Jets, but if he's forced to sit, Mack Wilson could draw a start at inside linebacker.
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Tavai finished with 10 tackles (four solo), including a tackle for a loss, in the Patriots' 27-21 defeat to the Bills on Sunday. The fifth-year linebacker, who signed a two-year extension with New England in 2022, continued his career-best season with another strong performance. Tavai has set career highs in tackles (104), solo tackles (59), passes defensed (five) and interceptions (two).
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Tavai (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday night's game against the Broncos. The 27-year-old seems to have suffered an ankle injury at some point within the last week, and after a limited week of practice, he's got a chance to play in Week 16. Tavai's availability will be something to look out for Sunday, as Ja'Whaun Bentley (knee) is also listed as questionable, meaning New England could be without both of their top inside linebackers. If Tavai is unable to suit up in Week 16, Mack Wilson would likely see increased snaps for the Patriots' defense.
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Completed Games
Scheduled Games
| WK | DATE | OPP | OPP RANK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 09/19 | @New York | 32 |
| 4 | 09/29 | @San Francisco | 29 |
| 5 | 10/06 | Miami | 23 |
| 6 | 10/13 | Houston | 13 |
| 7 | 10/20 | @Jacksonville | 31 |
| 8 | 10/27 | New York | 32 |
| 9 | 11/03 | @Tennessee | 26 |
| 10 | 11/10 | @Chicago | 4 |
| 11 | 11/17 | Los Angeles | 10 |
| 12 | 11/24 | @Miami | 23 |
| 13 | 12/01 | Indianapolis | 6 |
| 14 | BYE | - | - |
| 15 | 12/15 | @Arizona | 19 |
| 16 | 12/22 | @Buffalo | 25 |
| 17 | 12/29 | Los Angeles | 3 |
| 18 | 01/05 | Buffalo | 25 |