6 important Patriots entering their last season in New England

Jahlani Tavai

Perhaps the most under-the-radar player deserving of a new contract has to be Jahlani Tavai. He was a questioned addition to the team at the beginning, as most believed he was a Matt Patricia favorite from their days with the Lions.

But he has since become a sneaky good piece of the defense with the look of a player on the rise after having the best season of his five year career in 2023. In nearly every metric, Tavai doubled his production from his previous impressive season in 2022, and could build upon that in the season ahead.

He took advantage of the opportunities given to him last year, especially after Matthew Judon was sidelined with an injury, which allowed him to fill the stat sheet with a long list of accomplishments.

Tavai recorded 110 combined tackles, five tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, five passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a sack.

It was a totally unexpected year for the linebacker, but it's easily made him one of the top players to watch this upcoming season. If he can continue down the path he started, whether by repeating last year's performance or adding even more to it, extending his stay in New England makes a lot of sense.

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