The New England Patriots are adding a member of Linebacker U to Mike Vrabel’s defense.
Former Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa is signing with the Patriots at the start of the new league year, the team announced Thursday.
Luketa, 27, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He played three seasons in Arizona, totaling 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and one forced fumble in 31 games, including three starts.
Luketa had his best season in 2024, registering the forced fumble three sacks.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.After moving on from the Cardinals, Luketa didn’t see game action in 2025. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad Nov. 18 and remained with the team throughout the rest of the regular season and postseason run to the NFC Championship Game.
In 47 total games over four years at Penn State (2018-21), Luketa because a contributor. In 2021, he totaled 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and an interception in 12 contests during his senior season.
Luketa finished his Nittany Lions career with 151 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, half a sack, seven passes defended, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He now joins a defense that won the AFC and played in Super Bowl LX against Seattle.
The NFL legal tampering period begins on Monday, March 9, with the official start of the league year Wednesday, March 11.
