The Houston Texans could have three of the 2024 New England Patriots’ linebackers on their roster before training camp is over. They already have one: Marte Mapu. But the Texans showed interest in two more–Jahlani Tavai and Sione Takitaki–on Friday.
This comes on the heels of their latest injury at the position, with special teamer and reserve linebacker Jake Hansen hurting his foot during practice on Thursday.
The Texans’ activity could be the strongest signal yet that Hansen will miss time.
Texans Eye Ex-Patriots LBs Jahlani Tavai and Sione Takitaki
GettyJahlani Tavai could reunite with Marte Mapu on the Texans.
“#Texans worked out linebackers Sione Takitaki and Jahlani Tavai after Jake Hansen injured his foot,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on July 31.
Neither Takitaki nor Tavai were Patriots draft picks.
The Detroit Lions selected Tavai in the second round with the 43rd overall pick of the 2019 draft, while the Cleveland Browns selected Takitaki one round later with the 80th overall selection of the cycle.
Tavai turns 30 in September. He has 466 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries in his career. He has started 67 of 107 games played.
Takitaki, 31, has 292 combined stops, 4.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, and 1 recovery.
He has started 40 of 86 games played. However, Takitaki and/or Tavai would only be needed as depth replacements. The Texans’ incumbents are more likely to move up a rung on the depth chart amid Hansen’s absence.
The Texans worked out four players on Thursday, including a pair of running backs. This is their first move to explore outside LBs.
Marte Mapu Could Be in For Significant Role
GettyMarte Mapu could get a significant opportunity with the Texans.
Mapu is suddenly one of the Texans’ more experienced LBs. Starters Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o remain in place. Jake Hummell is next in terms of NFL experience, but he has just one start in his 58 games played so far in his NFL career and has primarily been a special teamer.
Former Texans sixth-round pick Jamal Hill has played in 20 games, all as a reserve.
The Texans’ other options are rookies Wade Woodaz and Aiden Fisher, fourth- and fifth-round picks, respectively, in the 2026 draft.
Mapu, who turns 27 in November, was a third-round pick (No. 76 overall) by the Patriots in 2023 and has played safety in addition to linebacker. That could be valuable to the Texans if they choose to disguise their looks from time to time.
Texans Taking Hits Early
GettyJake Hansen’s status could force the Texans’ hand.
Losing Hansen would be bad enough, even with his minor role on defense. But that combined with the loss of E.J. Speed, presumably for at least the regular season, is reminiscent of what the Texans endured at safety last season.
The Texans’ decision to cut 2025 offseason trade pickup C.J. Gardner-Johnson exacerbated that situation, but the ramifications were the same.
An NFL season often turns into a war of attrition.
Taking hits early and often can be par for the course. Nevertheless, every roster can only take so much, and the Texans are clearly already feeling the sting of losing multiple players at the same position.
Texans Get Eyes on Former Patriots Teammates After Losing Defender