The New England Patriots’ linebacker group was quite successful in 2023, but it was unable to retain the entirety of its group: Mack Wilson, who was at times the third option at the position behind Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai, left the team for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. The Patriots had tried to retain him, but eventually had to look elsewhere.
They found a player they liked in a former Cleveland Browns third-round draft pick. Sione Takitaki joined a two-year deal, and could play a sizable role for his new club in 2024.