Browns Free Agent Sione Takitaki Expected To Sign With Patriots

After spending five years with the Cleveland Browns, 2019 third round draft pick Sione Takitaki is headed to New England on a two-year deal.

Sione Takitaki's time in Cleveland has come to an end. The former third-round pick hailing from BYU came to an agreement with the New England Patriots two years,$6.5 million. The contract includes incentives that could boost the deal to $10 million. 

In Takitaki's five seasons as a Cleveland Brown, he became a fan favorite, fully buying into the team's culture and helping turn the once dilapidated franchise around. 

Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki knocks the ball out of the hands of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the first half Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, in Cleveland. Brownsbengalsmnf 2 :: © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

Statistically, he registered just 286 tackles over 72 games after entering the league as a third round pick. The 28-year-old had a career-best two sacks in 203, as he notched three total QB hits and an interception as well. Takitaki blossomed over his first five years in the league from a good special teams piece to a legit starter on one of the best defenses in the entire NFL this past season.

One of the lasting Takitaki memories as he takes his talents to New England came during his from his rookie campaign when the Browns made a magical run to the playoffs. Leading the Steelers 45-29 in the wild card round with no fans in the stands, Takitaki intercepted Ben Roethlisberger to essentially put the game on ice late int he fourth quarter.

From that moment in his rookie season on, Takitaki became a household name for Browns fans. His departure on Monday along with veteran Anthony Walker Jr., who signed with another AFC East foe in Miami, leave a massive void at inside linebacker in Jim Schwartz vaunted defense. 

Cleveland did move quickly to address the sudden need in the middle of their defense though, signing nine-year veteran Jordan Hicks to a two-year deal. 

Keep up with all of the Browns offseason moves with our Free Agency Tracker.