The Top 3 Free Agent Destinations for Former BYU Linebacker Sione Takitaki
Now fully recovered from an injury-ridden 2024 season, Sione Takitaki enters free agency eager not just to play, but to secure a starting role with the right NFL team.
Former BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki remains one of the most underrated players from the Cougars in the NFL. Drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft by the Cleveland Browns, Takitaki enjoyed a steady five-year career with the team. Over 72 games, he started 36, recording 268 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and four sacks. His career average of nearly four tackles per game highlights his consistent presence on the field.
In 2024, Takitaki signed a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, but his stint in New England didn’t unfold as planned. After undergoing knee surgery before the season, he was placed on the PUP list to start the year and dealt with multiple setbacks in his recovery. He made his season debut in Week 6, missed Week 7, and then played a rotational role in the final 10 games. He ended the season with 21 tackles over 11 games, playing only 194 defensive snaps.
The Patriots recently parted ways with Takitaki, who will turn 30 in June, making him available to sign with any team. Below are the top three teams that could benefit from the services of this experienced and now healthy linebacker. Teams vying for a championship and in need of linebacker depth will likely be the best fit when free agency opens on March 12th.
Los Angeles Rams
With quarterback Matthew Stafford returning for another season in 2025, the Rams are focused on competing. However, their linebacker group is thin, with leading tackler Christian Rozeboom becoming a free agent.
The only other linebackers under contract for next season are Omar Speights (67 tackles last year) and Elias Neal, who has played in six career games without recording a tackle. Sione Takitaki could provide the experience and reliability needed to strengthen the Rams’ defense. It would also be exciting for BYU fans to watch him join forces withPuka Nacua.