The New England Patriots are releasing veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai ahead of the start of free agency, according to multiple reports Monday.

Tavai, 29, has one year left on the three-year, $16 million contract extension he signed ahead of the 2024 season. He’s spent the last five seasons with the Patriots, starting 51 of the 76 games he played in New England.

He played a career low 12 games last season and made just seven starts after starting 16 each of the prior two seasons. He finished the 2025 season with 42 tackles (down from 110-plus each of the last two seasons), four tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

He also started two of New England’s four playoff games last season, recording eight tackles.

A former second-round pick by Detroit in the 2019 NFL Draft, Tavai played two seasons for the Lions before signing with New England. In 107 games (67 starts), he’s accumulated 466 tackles, 25 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, 14 pass breakups, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

–Field Level Media