Former New England Patriots pass-rusher Anfernee Jennings was signed by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon. This was reported by multiple media outlets.
This comes after Jennings spent six years with the Patriots. Now, he will get an opportunity to resurrect his career with the Saints. The Alabama product was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft with the 87th overall pick. He would end up becoming a valuable piece on the Patriots defense and serve as an important depth linebacker.
With that being said, the Patriots appear to be going in a different direction defensively. He is no longer in the mix.
Veteran pass rusher Anfernee Jennings is signing with the Saints, per source. Jennings spent the last five seasons with New England, totaling 132 total tackles and 7.5 sacks.
A Promising Start For Patriots
He started his career off on a high note, playing in 14 games in 2020. He had four starts and 30 total tackles on the year. The linebacker made his debut in the season-opener against the Miami Dolphins that year. The 2021 season was a little bit different. He missed the entire season after suffering an undisclosed injury, according to Pats Pulpit’s Bernd Buchmasser.
After spending the entire 2021 season on injured reserve, he came back stronger. He eased his way back into things as he returned as a rotational backup. He recorded his first career sack that season and had 27 total tackles.
2023 was when he was really able to break out. He started in 14 of 15 games and recorded 66 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the year. A big part of his breakout was due to Matthew Judon’s injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4 of the season. That allowed Jennings to shine.
The Alabama product continued to shine in 2024. He had another strong year, which saw him record 78 tackles and 2.5 sacks on the year. He had career highs in tackles, sacks, and starts, as he started in all 16 games that year.
2025 saw his production depth policy played in 14 games and started three. He totaled 26 tackles and two sacks on the year. This was a significant drop in terms of production for the playmaker. On top of this, the Patriots were able to get several players that fit the team’s defensive system in a better way. K’Lavon Chiasson and Harold Landry III were players who took those snaps. Ultimately, Jennings struggled in the new system.
What Could Former Patriots Star Bring to Saints?
This signing could make a ton of sense for the New Orleans Saints. Jennings still can offer edge-rushing help. This could be particularly important in case Cameron Jordan does not return to the organization. The Saints did not get an edge rusher in the draft. Instead, they got a player in Jennings who is a proven veteran commodity with 132 starts in his career.
Jennings could carve out a solid role with the Saints and find a more consistent role in New Orleans. He was able to lay the groundwork for his career with the Patriots. Now, he can take the next step and really settle in on a promising defensive unit.
Jennings was able to be a valuable piece for the Patriots, and now he will look to increase his value with the Saints.
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