Mike Vrabel's Patriots have made excellent strides in a single offseason. He's raised expectations to an extent that the 2024 last-place Pats are now looked upon in numerous circles as a playoff-contending team. That's no small feat.
Vrabel's reconstruction has included bringing in several players to replace the 2024 versions. Better players were signed in free agency, the draft, and even in undrafted free agency. On offense, he brought in more than half a dozen new offensive linemen, along with multiple receivers and running backs. All should be upgrades.
He also added playmakers to each level of the defense. In the process, he sent former starters Ja'Whaun Bentley, Davon Godchaux, and Deatrich Wise Jr. packing. None fit his new defensive scheme, and neither does inside linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who's still on the roster.
Analyst suggests trading linebacker Jahlani Tavai
Bleacher Report's Matt Holder has suggested a trade for each NFL team ahead of the 2025 season. For the Patriots, he suggests moving inside linebacker Jahlani Tavai.
"This is a change of pace since it's a team giving away a player to receive future assets instead of adding someone who can help this season. The Patriots extended Christian Elliss and signed Robert Spillane in free agency this offseason, making Tavai's role on the team unclear this fall. So, moving on from a guy who might not see the field much in exchange for picks who can help the front office build around Drake Maye would be a smart move. "
Holder makes a solid point for a number of reasons. The soon-to-be 29-year-old Tavai had a solid total tackle stat in 2024 with 115. Yet, his big plays were modest with seven tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, five passes defended, and only one sack. That sack total isn't good enough, and Tavai's overall impactful plays were average.
Why trading Jahlani Tavai makes good sense for Mike Vrabel
Tavai's 2024 stats are indicative of his lack of fit in Coach Mike Vrabel's defense. As a bigger, slower inside linebacker at 6'2" and 255 pounds, like Bentley, Tavai isn't a match for Vrabel's new attacking defense. As Holder pointed out, Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss (and also Jack Gibbens) are far better fits at inside linebacker than Tavai.
Tavai is a relic of the former Belichick/Mayo read-and-react defense. He's a square peg in a round hole in a Mike Vrabel scheme. He also criticized the fans at Gillette Stadium for booing the Patriots' lackluster performance in a 2024 game. That's not a great look for any player. A trade makes sense for both him and the team, and the Patriots can use the asset they might gain.
While Holder suggests trading for draft picks, the alternative of garnering a player who fills a position of need makes better sense. The Patriots are gearing up to win in 2025. There is no other season. If there's a team that has a surplus of receivers (or maybe one with a contract issue) that can use an inside linebacker with Tavai's profile, the Pats have cash to spend and may be able to work a deal.
Vrabel, even after adding several receivers this offseason, could still use another NFL-proven one. He also desperately needs a left guard. He doesn't have any. Either would fill a considerable need. Jahlani Tavai is surplus to the Patriots' 2025 requirements. A trade, as suggested by Matt Holder, for decent remuneration of whatever form, makes good sense. Vrabel should just go ahead and get it done.