Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
Patriots reportedly sign veteran linebacker, bring back Jalen Reagor
Sione Takitaki stands as a viable replacement for Mack Wilson Sr. on New England's linebacker corps.
The Patriots closed out the first day of the NFL’s legal tampering window on Monday by reportedly signing a veteran linebacker and bringing back a dynamic kick returner.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots have agreed to terms on a two-year, $6.5 million deal with linebacker Sione Takitaki. Takitaki can earn up to $10 million after incentives.
In another move, the Patriots are also bringing back wide receiver and special-teams contributor Jalen Reagor on a one-year deal — per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.
Takitaki, 28, stands as a potential replacement for former Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., who reportedly signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Takitaki spent the previous five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, where he served as a dependable linebacker with strong coverage skills.
Advertisement:
During the 2023 season, Takitaki started seven of the 15 games he appeared in with the Browns — recording 65 tackles with two sacks and an interception. Over his five seasons in Cleveland, the BYU product recorded 269 tackles with four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Takitaki now joins a linebacker corps that already features Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Raekwon McMillan, and Joe Giles-Harris.
Reagor stays with the Patriots
Reagor will rejoin the Patriots for a second season in Foxborough. The 2020 first-round pick landed in New England after signing with the team’s practice squad on August 31, 2023 — eventually appearing in 10 total games last year.
Advertisement:
The former TCU wideout didn’t make much of a dent as a pass-catcher with New England’s lackluster offense in 2023, finishing the year with seven catches for 138 total yards. But Reagor eventually established himself as arguably the most explosive player on the Patriots’ special-teams unit.
Reagor averaged 31.6 yards per kickoff return with the Patriots, stepping up for New England after the team waived Ty Montgomery in December. His top play came in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills when he opened the road game with a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com