The Jacksonville Jaguars recently signed veteran linebacker Jahlani Tavai, and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile detailed what he could potentially add to this defense.
On the surface, this felt like a depth addition as the Jaguars navigate injuries at linebacker. Jack Kiser is currently sidelined, while Jared Bartlett was waived with an injury designation.
However, as Campanile described, Tavai can offer more than that.
“Obviously, we’ve had some injuries in camp,” Campanile said, “but I’ve seen Jahlani play over the years. Some guys who I know really, really well have coached him, been around him. So there’s definitely a familiarity with him and the way he plays. He’s been in a system that has a lot of the same tenets as ours when he was in Detroit and then New England. We played very similarly in Miami when I was there. So there’s a lot of carry over even just the verbiage to everything — it’s an easier transition for him.”
Tavai is an experienced player, having been in the NFL since 2019, when he was a second-round pick by Detroit. He has appeared in 107 games, making 67 starts.
Tavai has recorded 432 total tackles, along with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. In 2025, he played 290 defensive snaps with New England
His addition to the Jacksonville defense brings another physical and versatile presence to the linebacker room.
“He’s a big, physical guy who’s played multiple roles and he’s also a guy that can play on the line of scrimmage, off the ball, and on third down have rush value,” Campanile added. “And like I said, last year there’s guys who are kind of three-down guys and to me, that’s his three down value — as a third down rusher, he can bring something. Knows the pass rush games and has done a good job with that where he’s been, so that’s what was exciting about him for us.”
From the sounds of it, there’s a path forward for Tavai to make an impact, but could he push for a roster spot? That remains to be seen.
Before his arrival, it was already a crowded position group, with Jalen McLeod, Parker Hughes, and Yasir Abdullah already competing for one potential roster spot.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars coach weighs in on how new addition can make impact
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
