The Patriots are releasing linebacker Jahlani Tavai, a source confirmed Monday.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer first reported the news Monday.

Tavai, 29, first joined the Patriots in 2021. He was one of the longest-tenured players on the Patriots but took on a reduced role in 2025.

Related Articles

Patriots free agency tracker and grades: Every signing, trade and rumor

What to watch for from the Patriots in NFL free agency

The perfect Patriots offseason: Alec Pierce or A.J. Brown, new pass rushers and O-line fixes

Source: Patriots trading C Garrett Bradbury to Bears for draft pick

New England Patriots plane evacuates Americans from Middle East amid U.S.-Iran conflict

The cut creates $1,735,662 in cap savings if it’s done as a traditional release. If the Patriots designate it a post-June 1 cut, then it will free up over $3 million in cap savings.

Tavai, a Lions second-round pick in 2019, initially signed to the Patriots’ practice squad in 2021 before being promoted to the active roster a month later.

He’s played in 76 games, starting 51, since joining the Patriots. He’s registered 350 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, 12 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 18 tackles for loss and 10 QB hits in five seasons. After starting the majority of the Patriots’ contests from 2022 to 2024, Tavai played in 12 games, starting seven in 2025.

The release leaves the Patriots with Christian Elliss, Amari Gainer, Marte Mapu, Chad Muma, Otis Reese and Robert Spillane at off-ball linebacker. Tavai also contributed at outside linebacker, where Anfernee Jennings, Jesse Luketa, Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson remain on the roster.

Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Linebacker Jack Gibbens is a restricted free agent.

Tavai was the Patriots’ recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award in 2025.

Tavai, the team revealed in a press release, discovered he has a rare autoimmune disease while rehabbing a calf injury during training camp. According to head athletic trainer Jim Whlalen, Tavai required several visits with specialists and an intense regimen of daily and weekly medications that carried various side effects. He missed several weeks, before returning to the team in October.

In late November, Tavai’s then pregnant girlfriend suffered a medical emergency caused by a rare blood infection that left her unresponsive in her bed. In the hospital, she entered a medically induced coma that lasted for six days. During that time, their unborn daughter passed away, which led Tavai to be away from the team for several more days.

In a statement given to the team’s public relations staff, Tavai thanked his teammates for their support during the year.

“The biggest thing for me was being thankful for all the help we have,” Tavai said. “I think I’m more appreciative of the guys in this locker room and the staff for just the help that they’ve given me. So, I’m more grateful for that than I am about the award.”