The New England Patriots were hard to watch in 2023, as they finished with one of their worst records in franchise history and secured the third overall pick in the draft.
However, the offensive side of the ball was much worse for the Patriots last year, as the defense did their best to keep them in game
This offseason, New England didn't change much in their linebacker group, but there are a few differences heading into training camp. However, before they hit the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium, let's refamiliarize ourselves with the Patriots linebackers.
Matthew Judon
Judon is returning from injury after a biceps tear in 2023 cost him the final 13 weeks of the season. However, things don't seem to be great between the player and the team, as Judon has spoken out about his contract and the two sides are reportedly not close on a new deal. If he's on the team, he'll be their best pass rusher and will likely lead the group in sacks.
Joshua Uche
Uche is entering his fifth season in New England after signing a one-year deal to return this offseason. He's had some success when he's on the field and being used to rush the passer, but he had a quieter 2023 season, recording just three sacks. He should still be one of the team's top edge rushers in 2024, and if he wants to earn a big payday next offseason, he'll have to show out.
Ja'Whaun Bentley
Bentley is entering his seventh season with the team, as he's one of the longest-tenured Patriots left on the roster. During his career, he's been a consistent force in the middle of the defense, which will certainly help with DeMarcus Covington taking over as a first-time defensive coordinator. He should be New England's top off-ball linebacker in 2024.
Jahlani Tavai
Tavai is in his fourth season in New England after spending his first two with the Detroit Lions. He's seen his snap counts jump in every season with the Patriots, peaking at 74% last year. After receiving an extension earlier this month, he'll probably be expected to play roughly the same role.
Anfernee Jennings
Jennings got an extension of his own this offseason that will pay him $12 million over the next three years. He saw a significant jump in opportunities last year (32% in 2022 to 67% in 2023), so it's clear he's in the plans for the future. He'll likely rotate with the defensive ends and linebackers.
Sione Takitaki
After five years with the Cleveland Browns, New England signed Takitaki this offseason. He's played over 50% of the snaps the last two years in Cleveland, and he'll probably be asked to do something similar with the Patriots.
Raekwon McMillan
McMillan has been on the team for three years, but he's missed two of them due to injury (ACL in 2021 and Achilles in 2023). He's in the final year of his deal, and if he doesn't show out in training camp, he may have lost his spot on the roster.
Joe Giles-Harris
Harris is entering his fifth year in the NFL but just his second with the Patriots after spending 2023 on their practice squad. Considering the depth of New England's linebacking corps, he's probably competing for that same role again this year.
Christian Elliss
Elliss was claimed by the Patriots late last year off of waivers after spending 2021-23 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in four games for New England down the stretch on special teams. He'll be fighting for a depth spot or practice squad spot in training camp.
Oshane Ximines
Ximines spent his first five seasons with the New York Giants before New England signed him to a one-year deal this offseason. Having been a rotational player with the Giants, that will be what he's aiming for with his new team.
Jontrey Hunter
Hunter is an undrafted rookie out of Georgia State. He played in 53 games, recording 234 tackles and six sacks in his time at the school and earned All-Sun Belt honors in 2023.
Steele Chambers
Chambers is an undrafted rookie as well out of Ohio State. The Detroit Lions originally signed him after the draft, but he was released last month. He started his time with the Buckeyes as a running back but moved to linebacker for his final three seasons. Now, he'll compete for a depth/practice squad spot in New England.
