Former BYU star linebacker Sione Takitaki just is perhaps the most underrated former Cougar in the NFL. After being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2019 draft, Takitaki went on to have a solid five-year run with the Browns. He started 36 of 72 games in Cleveland with 268 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and four sacks. In his five years with the Browns he averaged nearly four tackles per game.
In 2024 he signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots, but his time with the Pats didn’t play out as expected. Takitaki began last year on the PUP list after having his knee scoped before the season began and his recovery had setbacks. He ultimately made his 2024 debut in Week 6, sat out Week 7, then played a rotational role in the Patriots final 10 games. He finished the season with 21 tackles in 11 games but only played 194 defensive snaps.
The Patriots recently released Sione, who turns 30 in June, so he's free to sign with any NFL team. Here are the three best options for the solid, experienced, and now healthy veteran. Contending teams lacking depth at linebacker will be the best fit for Takitaki once free agency begins on March 12th.
Los Angeles Rams
After bringing back quarterback Matthew Stafford for another run in 2025, the Ram are playing to win. They’re also playing with a depleted linebacker corps. Leading tackler Christian Rozeboom is a free agent.
The only other traditional linebackers currently under contract for this upcoming season are Omar Speights (67 tackles last year) and Elias Neal, who has appeared in six career games with zero tackles. Sione Takitaki could bring the experience and effectiveness needed to bolster the Rams defense, and it would be fun for BYU fans watching him team up with Puka Nacua.
Philadelphia Eagles
All-Pro linebacker Zach Baun is headed for free agency and is going to command a massive contract. The Eagles only have $17.6 million in available cap space and it will be tough to make the numbers work to retain Baun. After winning the Super Bowl in 2024, the Eagles are going to do everything possible to reload for a repeat title in 2025.
An effective veteran like Sione Takitaki could provide value to the Eagles, whether or not they retain Zach Baun.
Carolina Panthers
Yes, I consider the Panthers a contender in the ho-hum NFC South, a division that lacks a clear alpha. Quarterback Bryce Young was terrific in the second half of last season and the Panthers could compete for the NFC South title in Year 2 of coach Dave Canales’ system.
Few teams need linebackers as badly as the Panthers. Veteran stalwart Shaq Thompson has been informed he won’t be retained in 2025. Josey Jewell is the only proven inside linebacker on the roster heading into this season, and the tandem of Jewell and Takitaki could fit nicely together in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 scheme.