After salvaging the pass-rushing unit, the New England Patriots could trade linebacker Jahlani Tavai before the 2025 regular season this year. According to a report, one source suggests the Patriots should move on from the former second-round pick as they have enough depth. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Hawaii product realistically won’t have enough room to thrive in this defense when they have Harold Landry, Christian Ellis, Robert Spillane and Anfernee Jennings. Tavai could be one of the biggest assets for New England, as they might be able to pull off some future draft picks if they send him sooner rather than later.
The linebacker’s future remains unclear, being that the Patriots invested most of their cap space into the defense, and with a new head coach in Mike Vrabel in town, it makes things very complicated for him to stay. This doesn’t have to do anything with his production as Tavai is coming off his best season last year, recording 115 tackles, where seven of them for a loss. However, priorities change when a new regime takes over, and it’s hard to imagine Tavai will play a full season with the Patriots. Tavai won’t garner the top draft pick in return, but he might be able to attract these four teams if he becomes available on the trade block.
Report: Patriots Urged to Trade Former Second Round Pick Jahlani Tavai – 4 Suitors Emerge
Best Possible Fits
New Orleans Saints
Despite losing linebacker Willie Gay this offseason, the New Orleans Saints are getting younger in the pass rush. Between Demario Davis and Pete Werner, these are the only two athletes who have the most potential to make an impact. Carl Granderson has yet to be proven, so a trade for Tavai could make sense, especially since the Saints will probably have one of the worst offenses, and it’d be easier to have an exploding defense at minimum.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have finally been able to upgrade their defense after having one of the worst units last year. They still have a need at the linebacker department despite signing Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown to salvage the trenches. Tavai could find his role between Christian Rozeboom and Josey Jewell to give this Panthers defense a better outcome than last season.
Washington Commanders
However, the Washington Commanders added another veteran in hopes of winning a Super Bowl early in Jayden Daniels’ young career. Von Miller has one year at most, but it’s never too early to build the long-term of this pass-rush beyond him and Bobby Wagner. As long as Frankie Luvu stays healthy, Tavai could thrive in Washington for years to come.
Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games in the trenches, but he doesn’t exactly have the right pieces to make it happen. Khalil Mack is solid, but he won’t be saving this defense in every scenario. Between Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand, they need a major upgrade, and Tavai might not be the best available trade candidate, but he has plenty of upside in getting after the quarterback.
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