After releasing linebacker Mack Wilson earlier in the day, the New England Patriots quickly found his replacement.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are signing former Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki. Takitaki signed a two-year, $6.5M contract that includes $10M in incentives.
In addition to signing Takitaki, the Patriots are re-signing wide receiver Jalen Reagor to a one-year deal worth up to $1.8M, according to multiple reports
Takitaki, 27, is familer with several Patriots staff members. Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf and front office Alonzo Highsmith were in the Browns front-off when the Browns drafted Takitaki.
Furthermore, Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt and QB coach T.C. McCartney spent time in Cleveland with Takitaki. The former BYU product was a third-round pick by the Browns in 2019. He has since appeared in 72 games, recording 268 tackles and four sacks.
Although Takitaki isn’t an ever-down player and will likely be used as a depth piece, he also has experience on special teams.
With Takitaki’s signing, the Patriots now have five linebackers under contract for 2024. Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Raekwon McMillian, and Marte Mapu are all under contract for next season.
In addition, linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche are currently free agents. Uche will reportedly test the market; there’s a higher chance he won’t return to New England.
Former TCU standout Jalen Reagor will also stay in New England. The former first-round pick signed to the Patriots practice squad last summer.
After spending a few weeks on the practice squad getting acclimated, Reagor was elevated to the game-day roster and eventually signed to the 53-man roster. He appeared in 10 games last year, compiling seven catches for 138 yards.
Before joining the Patriots, Reagor spent time with the Eagles but was traded to the Vikings before the 2022 season. He spent one season with the Vikings and was waived before the start of the 2023 season.
Reagor took over as the kick-returner when the team waived Ty Montgomery. After becoming the lead returner, he averaged 31.6 yards per return and showcased his raw athletic ability. One of the highlights of the whole season came in Week 17 when Reagor returned the opening kick-off for a 98-yard touchdown.
The 2024 NFL year starts on Wednesday, March 13th, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
