Anfernee Jennings had perfect mindset this season despite free agency looming

FOXBOROUGH, Mass - Anfernee Jennings loves the game of football. That much is clear. 

The linebacker is in the final year of his deal and became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. Knowing this was coming, it could have served as a distraction. But Jennings went out of his way to focus on playing football and not think about what's next. 

He just wanted to stay in the moment. 

"I mean, obviously, going into free agency, I'm just really focused on finishing the season strong," Jennings told A to Z Sports. "Go out and do what I can do, control what I can control. Let the chips fall where they fall."

So with this big decision looming over his head, Jennings sent a clear message to his camp. 

"I kind of told my agency I just wanted to, I didn't them to do too much right now," he said. "Just allow me to go out and play here. nNd at the end of the season, we can handle business as we should. It's kind of been my mentality this whole season."

And of course, one possibility for Jennings is to return to the Patriots. While he confirmed last week that he isn't aware of any talks between his agency and New England, that doesn't mean it won't happen. 

So when asked if he would consider coming back, Jennings provided the perfect answer. 

"It's a lot of different things that probably go into it. But I love being a Patriots. I love being here," Jennings said. "It's something I really haven't thought a lot about right now. Just trying to control what I can control and be where my feet (are) at."

"To me, it's a long line of history, and just to me, it's an honor to be a Patriot," he added. "Just the history. They've had the success that they've had. Just the Patriot Way.

Jennings has impressed this season. finished with 65 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. 

"When you get the opportunities, you have to make the most out of it, so when I finally got the opportunity, I tried to make the most of it.