OTAs have been underway for over a week now. The Detroit Lions had things start on May 28, but had center Frank Ragnow retire surprisingly on Monday.
That was the latest blow to the team that saw a ton of turnover on the coaching staff. While the Lions look to manage everything inside their own building, a former defender may be in trouble after his injury.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New England Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai suffered a calf injury during OTAs practice on Monday and is expected to be sidelined until training camp.
Former Lions LB Jahlani Tavai Will Be Sidelined Until Training Camp
Tavai played with the Lions for two seasons (2019-2020) before joining the Pats. He developed into a solid starter for them, inking a three-year deal that has a base value of $15 million and can get up to $21 million in maximum value in 2024. In 64 games (44 starts) for New England, he had 308 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 10 QB hits, 12 pass deflections, and three interceptions.
Despite getting that deal last summer, the Pats added another linebacker to the fold in the offseason. They signed Robert Spillane to a three-year, $33 million deal. He has a connection with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel from their days in Tennessee.
He got paid to certainly be a starter. New England also matched Christian Elliss' free agent deal, which came up to two years for $13.5 million. While Tavai can be either LB2 or LB3 for the Pats, there's definitely a pathway that doesn't stick onto the roster in 2025.
Not being able to practice until training camp under a new coaching staff isn't ideal. Especially since it's a new scheme and other players at the position are getting those reps instead of him.
The Pats may not look to cut Tavai since they would get hit with a $6.4 million dead cap hit, but they could be open to moving him via trade.
The next couple of weeks will be interesting for Tavai and the Pats.