Overview
- Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Monday that New England is parting with the 29-year-old ahead of free agency.
- Signed in 2021 after beginning his career with the Lions, Tavai became a multi-year starter before appearing in 12 games with seven starts in 2025.
- Team statements disclosed he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease during training-camp rehab last year and later missed time after a family medical emergency, and he received the Ed Block Courage Award.
- The reported release would create $1,735,662 in immediate cap savings or free up over $3 million if designated as a post–June 1 cut.
- The move reshapes the linebacker group, with Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Marte Mapu, Chad Muma and Otis Reese inside, and Anfernee Jennings and Jesse Luketa among the outside options.