Patriots reportedly re-signing another linebacker
The New England Patriots are making another move to shore up their internal depth at linebacker.
As first reported by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are re-signing outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings. Rapoport later added that it’s a three-year deal with a base value of $12 million and a maximum of $24 million.
MORE: Josh Uche chooses Patriots despite better offers
Jennings, 26, has long been the “next man up” behind Pats cornerstone linebacker Matthew Judon at outside linebacker. In 2023, he had to actually step up and into the regular lineup. Jennings started 14 games and played a career-high 67% of defensive snaps, logging 66 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four QB hits, and one fumble recovery.
![ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Matthew Judon #9 of the New England Patriots holds his arm while walking off the field while consoled by Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2023/10/GettyImages-1712278543-copy.jpg)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 1: Matthew Judon #9 of the New England Patriots holds his arm while walking off the field while consoled by Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Originally a third-round pick of the Patriots in the 2020 draft out of Alabama, Jennings struggled to get regular playing time as part of a deep Patriots linebacking corps prior to 2023. But once he finally got his opportunity for regular snaps, he proved to be a solid, well-rounded player who brings plenty of energy and physicality to the defense.
The Patriots are also re-signing outside linebacker Josh Uche, who reportedly turned down multiple more lucrative offers to stay in New England. From the outside, they’re bringing in former Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki.
Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf and the Patriots’ reshaped front office have prioritized retaining core players at the start of free agency. They’ve also agreed to new contracts with tackle Michael Onwenu, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, and tight end Hunter Henry, and applied the transition tag to safety Kyle Dugger.
![FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 07: Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the second half during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/01/GettyImages-1915466385.jpg)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 07: Anfernee Jennings #33 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the second half during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.