The New England Patriots are signing former Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki to an undisclosed deal on Monday, according to a source. Takitaki stands at 6-foot-1 and 238 pounds and is entering his sixth season in the NFL after the Browns took him in the third round in 2019 out of BYU. The 28-year-old linebacker is very well-rounded and was breaking out in 2022 in 12 games before tearing his ACL late in the year. He came back to record 65 tackles (45 solo), a career-high two sacks, and an interception in 15 regular-season games (seven starts) for Cleveland a year ago. Takitaki could have a significant role with the Patriots in 2024, but fantasy managers shouldn't look to him in IDP formats.
Sione Takitaki Ready For Comeback After ACL Injury
Cleveland Browns fifth-year linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee) is ready to make a comeback in 2023 following a season-ending knee injury he suffered in 2022. "I am excited," Takitaki said to Jason Gibbs on an episode of Best Podcast Available. "The rehab process has been going well. I like where I am at. Just been rehabbing a ton and just trying to get back to physical form. I like where I am and feel we can make a big comeback. I am ready to help anywhere I can." Before his injury in Week 13 last year, he had a career-high 71 tackles and was seeing more snaps on defense. The 28-year-old former third-rounder probably isn't going to be full-go for the start of the regular season this fall, but he should eventually become a big part of the defensive scheme when he's fully healthy.
The Cleveland Browns and linebacker Sione Takitaki agreed to terms on a one-year deal for just under $2.6 million on Tuesday, according to a source. It's a good deal for a player that tore his ACL in December as he returns to the Browns. Takitaki is planning to be back close to the start of the 2023 regular season. The 27-year-old played in 12 games (eight starts) in his fourth year with Cleveland, finishing with a career-high 71 tackles (36 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble. There's a good chance that Takitaki won't be 100 percent ready for Week 1.
