Sione Takitaki ‘Pumped’ to Play For New England Patriots, Jerod Mayo

The New England Patriots fortified their defense by signing former Cleveland Browns' linebacker Sione Takitaki.

Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) celebrates after recovering a fumbled punt. / Jeff Lange via Imagn Content Services,

FOXBORO — In an attempt to help sustain, or perhaps bolster the New England Patriots depth on defense, director of scouting Eliot Wolf turned to a trusted soldier. 

As a result, former Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki is now a Patriot. Based on the sentiments he shared with reporters on Thursday, he is happy to be a part of the “new era” in Foxboro. 

“Just want to say that I’m excited to be here,” Takitaki said from the Gillette Stadium dais. “I’m looking forward to working with [Jerod] Mayo, [Dont’a] Hightower, DeMarcus [Covington] … and I’m going to make some plays for you guys.” 

New England signed the 28-year-old to a two-year contract last month — helping to mitigate the loss of both weakside linebacker Mack Wilson, Sr. and special teamer/linebacker Chris Board. 

Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki knocks the ball out of the hands of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

During his five years in Cleveland, Takitaki appeared in 72 regular season games. He registered a combined 268 tackles (14, for loss), four sacks, four passes-defensed, two interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. Having aligned at all three linebacker positions, his versatility became a key factor in the progressional increase with which he has been utilized in the Browns’ defense — taking 65 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps in 2022 and 61 percent in 2023. 

Fortunately for both sides, Wolf was quite familiar with Takitaki’s abilities and potential. Having served as the Browns’ assistant general manager in 2019 when Cleveland selected him No. 80 overall in the third-round of the NFL Draft, the man currently in charge of Pats’ personnel has seen the BYU product’s toughness, tenacity and on-field intelligence first hand. In fact, Takitaki credits Wolf’s desire to reunite with him as the reason for his signing with New England. 

“When he called me, I said ‘Let’s do it.’” he said. “He’s a really smart guy. [Wolf] knows what he’s doing. He’s really strategic.” 

With New England, Takitaki should be expected to play both on and off the line of scrimmage — primarily in a third-down role, yet capable of spelling top options Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai on early downs if necessary. His ability to quickly diagnose opposing offensive plays could make him an option in a hybrid role as well. Throughout both his collegiate and pro tenure, he has been a solid run defender and special teams contributor — traits which will undoubtedly serve him well in a Patriots uniform.

Despite their dismal 4-13 finish in 2023, Takitaki ultimately believes that Mayo will utilize both his strengths and those of his teammates to the best of their abilities in the upcoming season. In essence, he warned the rest of the NFL universe not to ‘sleep’ on the Patriots.

“We're going to put in the work … there’s not going to be any shortcuts,” Takitaki advised. “Every year is a different year and we’re starting from ground zero. ”We’re working hard in the classroom and on the field and we’re going to do it right.” 

"I know it’s ‘new times’ here,” Takitaki added. “And I’m new here … but just from the last couple of days, I’m excited. You guys should be pumped. I am.”