Over the last few years, the Patriots haven't been very successful at signing top talent to their roster, whether in free agency or through the draft. It led new head coach Mike Vrabel to utilize a significant amount of cap space this offseason to make the necessary improvements, which also involved releasing some fan-favorite pillars of the dynasty-era teams.
That meant they had to say goodbye to players they hoped would remain with the team for the foreseeable future, even if releasing all of them wasn't completely surprising or controversial. However, there are some names fans were hoping to see on the chopping block, such as linebacker Jahlani Tavai, but the latest reporting suggests he's carving out a role for himself on the 2025 roster.
ESPN's Mike Reiss revealed that tidbit in his latest article about Patriots OTAs, that Tavai has been working closely with Robert Spillane.
"Veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai, a holdover from the prior regime whose fit in the scheme bears watching, was right in the mix alongside big-bucks free-agent signing Robert Spillane."
Given the controversy that erupted from Tavai during last season, this is unlikely to go over well with Patriots fans.
The new Patriots regime might actually keep Jahlani Tavai on the 2025 roster
Among the many controversies of the 2024 season was the booing by Patriots fans in attendance for the Week 17 blowout loss to the Chargers. In addition to boos, there were also fans shouting "Fire Mayo," a reference to head coach Jerod Mayo, which prompted many players to respond.
Many came to the defense of the team and their head coach, while some, like Tavai, took their frustration out on the fans, demanding they "know their place," which immediately offended the fans. That remains true nearly six months later, prompting many to still vocalize their desire to see Tavai cut from the team.
That became an even bigger talking point when former veteran center David Andrews shared his thoughts on the booing situation, stating he understood why the fans were frustrated and they have every right to air their grievances, especially since they come to the games to see a good team play.
Now that the team hopes to turn a new page and get back on track, fans are also expecting that same feeling regarding the roster, with many wanting to see Tavai play elsewhere for the 2025 season. But that doesn't seem to be in the cards at this point in the offseason, as he is working alongside the expected starters at OTAs.
To an extent, it's understandable why fans are still upset, and they should be. At the same time, if Tavai can be a good player for the team and help elevate the defense, much like he did during the 2023 season, then it would be better to keep him around than release him.
Time will tell, but one thing is for sure: if the Patriots decide to cut Tavai, the fans won't shed a tear.