The New England Patriots moved on from Jahlani Tavai before free agency.
The veteran linebacker, though, has found his next NFL stop.
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Thursday that they signed Tavai and waived linebacker Jared Bartlett with an injury designation.
Bartlett was carted off the field after suffering a leg injury during Tuesday’s practice, creating an immediate need for another experienced body in Jacksonville’s linebacker room.
Tavai arrives with 107 regular-season appearances and 67 starts over seven seasons. He spent the past five years in New England, where he developed from a practice-squad addition into a dependable defensive and special teams contributor.
His signing helps give the Jaguars proven depth during camp.
Tavai Lands New Opportunity After Patriots Release
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 10: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Jahlani Tavai #48 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on November 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tavai’s New England tenure ended March 11, when the Patriots released him alongside Stefon Diggs and Anfernee Jennings.
The move came less than two years after Tavai signed a three-year extension with a base value of $15 million and a maximum value of $21 million.
The Patriots originally added Tavai to their practice squad in 2021 after the Detroit Lions released the former second-round pick.
He eventually appeared in 76 games for New England and started 51, carving out a role with his size, physicality and ability to handle several assignments.
His final season with the Patriots was more difficult.
Tavai dealt with soft-tissue injuries and an extremely rare autoimmune disease but returned to play in 12 regular-season games and four playoff contests. He started twice during New England’s postseason run, including Super Bowl LX, and received the team’s 2025 Ed Block Courage Award.
Tavai finished the regular season with 34 tackles, four tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
Jacksonville now gets a 255-pound veteran who has experience playing off the ball, setting the edge and contributing on special teams.
Bartlett’s injury opened the roster spot, while Jack Kiser has also missed practice with a knee injury. So, Tavai’s versatility and 67 career starts give the defense another option behind the top of the depth chart.
Patriots Moved Forward With New Linebacker Rotation
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
New England entered camp with Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss projected as its starting off-ball linebackers.
The more significant competition has unfolded behind them, where Chad Muma and K.J. Britt entered the summer as the leading veteran reserves.
Muma received first-team work during the spring, while Britt brought extensive special teams experience after signing a one-year deal in March.
The Patriots also added younger options, including sixth-round pick Namdi Obiazor, whose speed and coverage range offer a different profile from Tavai.
That approach made Tavai expendable despite his experience and standing inside the locker room.
New England was willing to accept less proven depth in exchange for a younger, more athletic rotation around Spillane and Elliss.
The decision still has some risk.
Spillane missed the final four regular-season games last year and aggravated his foot and ankle during the AFC Championship Game. Should injuries strike again, the Patriots could miss the steadiness Tavai provided over five seasons.
But his late arrival in Jacksonville suggests New England read his market correctly.
Tavai remained available through the first week of August before an injury created an opening.
All things being said, the Jaguars now get an experienced linebacker at a useful point in camp.
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