Patriots re-sign another member of their defense
The New England Patriots continue to bring back their own free agents. Outside linebacker has agreed to a three-year, $12 million worth up to $24 million, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. The deal was first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
The 26-year-old Jennings was drafted by the Patriots in 2020 as a third round pick out of Alabama. For his first two seasons he was more of a role player, starting in only seven total games for 635 defensive snaps. However, last season that changed when Matthew Judon was out for the season with a torn bicep.
The 6-foot-3, 255 pound Jennings started in 14 games last season. His snap count ened up being a total of 677 snaps. Jennings logged a career high 66 tackles (49 solo, 17 assisted) to go along with 1.5 sacks.
"When Anfernee first got here, he was actually focusing on off-the-ball linebacker, and we had to, from a coaching perspective, get him in the right spot [on the line of scrimmage]," first-year head coach (linebackers coach then) Jerod Mayo said last season as transcribed by Reiss. "He is a very smart player. He understands coverages. He understands how the offense is trying to attack you. Very strong, good size."
New England, still has one of their most important free agents on the market. Safety Kyle Dugger, despite the transaction tag being used on him, is still free to negotiate with any team.
