The New England Patriots officially release Sione Takitaki who now becomes a free agent next month. According to reports, this is the first Patriots release after the 2024 campaign and to no surprise after a disastrous one, they’re releasing Takitaki. Originally selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former BYU product came into the league as a promising keystone linebacker for the Cleveland Browns after helping them reach a wild card in 2021. However, due to injuries, he hasn’t been the same versatile player he once was but he has a strong resume that could be worth for teams to take a chance on him.
Takitaki won’t have the most enormous market even though he’s been a key contributor alongside Anthony Walker Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. However, this release wasn’t too surprising since the new Patriots head coach will be building a new regime that fits under his leadership. Takitaki did sign an extension in 2023 but he was anything but impactful. If he still has the ball-hawking abilities he did with the Browns when Baker Mayfield was still there with Cleveland, he could have a strong revival in his career wherever he lands.
Patriots Officially Release 4.0 Sack Linebacker Sione Takitaki – 5 Team Fits That Make Most Sense
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
Since the Saints don’t have the financial landscape for the best pass rusher, this could be their last resort. Impending free agent Chase Young probably isn’t coming back they could lose Demario Davis due to salary cap issues. Takitaki isn’t the best on the market but when you have Pete Werner and Willie Gay on the same team, the Saints may carve out a decent role for him.
Dallas Cowboys
As much help as the Cowboys need on offense, they need to address the linebacker department. Last offseason, the team lost Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong and didn’t do much to replace them. While they focus on figuring out a price for Micah Parsons, they need a linebacker replacement to strengthen the depth since they are most Demarcus Lawrence in free agency. Takitaki could be a good gateway to help keep this defense competitive if he can stay healthy.
Los Angeles Chargers
Nobody loves playing a defensive game more than head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, they will embrace losing Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack if they don’t re-sign them to new contracts. With that, they should take a chance on Takitaki and get him in the rotation.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens had one of the most phenomenal offenses in the league but the same can’t be said about their defense. Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy were the main contributors to why Baltimore had any success in that pass rush. Trenton Simpson doesn’t look to get better with time so they should sign a guy like Takitaki to increase the competition for Baltimore’s defense.
Washington Commanders
There hasn’t been any word on if Bobby Wagner will return but they should be looking for help either way. The Commanders had one of the worst defenses last year despite the offense making a huge impact. Takitaki won’t increase their Super Bowl chances but it’s an opportunity to see how he could do.
