The New England Patriots announced the release of veteran linebacker Sione Takitaki on Wednesday.
Takitaki signed with the Patriots last offseason after a stint with the Cleveland Browns. There was hope that he’d contribute more than he did, but he was never able to catch on due to a knee injury. The release brings an early end to his initial two-year deal with the Patriots.
All told, Takitaki recorded 19 tackles in 11 games. He was part of a struggling linebacker unit that battled injuries throughout the season.
Things have changed with Mike Vrabel taking over as head coach and Terrell Williams being hired as the new defensive coordinator. A new defensive scheme is sure to lead to some roster changes for the Patriots.
Opinion/analysis: The Patriots announced the release of LB Sione Takitaki, which reflects two things — Mike Vrabel has the juice on personnel as Takitaki was one of Eliot Wolf’s “guys”, and also a sign of a changing defensive scheme and how player fits are different now.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 19, 2025
It will be an offseason of decisions for the Patriots with free agency right around the corner. Beefing up the linebacker unit with healthy bodies that fit Vrabel’s defensive system is going to be important.
The Patriots have more salary cap space than every team in the league, and that should allow them to make some noise at whatever positions they decide to target.