Earlier this month, linebacker Jahlani Tavai signed a contract extension with the New England Patriots. Originally set to expire in March, Tavai’s contract now includes three additional years, valued at $16 million in total.

This new contract marks a significant increase from his previous two-year, $4.4 million extension signed in 2022. However, it’s considered a smart investment for the team due to Tavai’s expected role as a starting linebacker and the specific contract details outlined by salary cap expert Miguel Benzan.

**LB Jahlani Tavai: Contract Details**

**2024:**
– Base salary: $1,125,000*
– Signing bonus: $1,727,084*
– Roster bonus: $500,000
– Workout bonus: $100,000
– Salary cap hit: $3,452,082

**2025:**
– Base salary: $1,500,000*
– Signing bonus: $1,443,750*
– Roster bonus: $750,000
– Workout bonus: $250,000
– Salary cap hit: $5,443,750

**2027:**
– Base salary: $2,875,000
– Signing bonus: $1,443,750*
– Roster bonus: $750,000
– Workout bonus: $300,000
– Salary cap hit: $5,368,750

*fully guaranteed

As part of the extension, the Patriots restructured the 2024 portion of his deal. Tavai’s salary and roster bonuses were slightly reduced, and a new signing bonus proration was added. This adjustment increased his cap hit by $293,750, from $3.158 million to $3.452 million.

The contract is straightforward except for the fully guaranteed $1.5 million salary in 2025, making Tavai a definite part of the roster next offseason. His status for the 2026 and 2027 seasons is less certain, as there are no additional guarantees and his cap impact exceeds $5 million each year. However, if Tavai maintains his recent performance level, the Patriots will likely be satisfied with their investment.

Moreover, Tavai currently ranks as the 30th-highest-paid linebacker in the NFL based on the average annual value of his contract. This deal could look even more favorable in the coming years.