The New England Patriots and their longest-tenured participant will reduce ties after six seasons. Anfernee Jennings, who first joined the workforce as a third-round draft decide in 2020, will be released on Wednesday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN was first to report the information.
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Playing faculty soccer below Nick Saban on the University of Alabama, Jennings was chosen 87th total by the Bill Belichick-led Patriots in 2020. Primarily used as a job participant early on, he took a step in his growth when Pro Bowler Matthew Judon missed many of the 2023 season due to harm. Jennings moved right into a beginning function and have become one of many prime run-defending outdoors linebackers in soccer.
He returned as a starter the next yr below new head coach Jerod Mayo, however noticed his function change when Mike Vrabel took over the next yr. While his workload elevated because the yr went on, Jennings nonetheless ended the season with a defensive taking part in time share of solely 32% — his lowest since 2022.
In whole, he leaves the Patriots with 79 mixed common season and playoff video games on his résumé. Jennings registered 233 tackles, 9.5 sacks and two compelled fumbles and recoveries every.
The 28-year-old, who was getting into the ultimate yr of his present contract with a wage cap hit of $4.87 million, is the second edge to go away the Patriots on Wednesday. Okay’Lavon Chaisson’s departure to the Washington Commanders was reported simply minutes earlier.
NFL free company and the 2026 league yr will begin at 4 p.m. ET.
