Patriots Re-Sign Linebacker Anfernee Jennings
FOXBORO — Just hours after returning linebacker Josh Uche to the fold, the New England Patriots retained the services of another valuable component of their front seven.
The Patriots, per a report from NFL Network, have signed linebacker Anfernee Jennings to a three-year contract. The deal has a base value of $12 million. Through incentives, Jennings could double it to a maximum $24 million.
Having entered the NFL as a third-round selection by the Patriots in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Jennings had a relatively quiet start to his pro career. The Alabama product played in 14 games as a rookie in only a situational role. He missed the entirety of his second season due to injury after being placed on injure reserve at the conclusion of training camp. Jennings entered the 2022 season as a backup linebacker. He played in 16 games with three starts, recording 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
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In the aftermath of losing linebacker Matthew Judon to a torn biceps in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, Jennings answered the need for a steady presence in the middle of the Pats defense. Fully healthy for the first time in his career, the Alabama product led the team with 14 tackles for loss, 13 of which came against the run. Jennings started the final 13 games of the season, playing on 50 percent of the Pats defensive snaps in each of them. He finished the campaign having compiled 62 total tackles, 21 quarterback pressures, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
At his best, Jennings is a stout run-defender who adequately sets the edge and serves as a playmaker against the run. He has also developed into a stout pass-rusher, due to his underrated mix of quickness, change-of-direction ability, power and instincts. Jennings’ most prominent strengths are, perhaps, his toughness and tenacity.
With Jennings back in New England, the Patriots linebackers corps may be one of the strongest positional groups on their roster in 2024. In addition to being joined by both Judon and Uche, Jennings will also share the room with team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Raekwon McMillan and newly-signed Sione Takitaki.
