Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

New England Patriots: Move on from Longest-Tenured Player

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 11:34 AM ET

The New England Patriots look to bolster the outside linebacker position after recording the sixth-fewest pressures and seventh-fewest pass sacks in 2025. Two of the team’s top three EDGE rushers from last year are known for their run-stopping abilities instead of being stout pass rushers. New England made its first significant move to address the position by signing versatile Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $39.5 million contract with $23.1 million guaranteed. This news comes as the Patriots lost K’Lavon Chaisson to the Commanders, while Harold Landry III is expected to stay put after battling injuries, given his massive $19 million dead cap hit and the difficulty of trading his guaranteed $11 million base salary in 2026.

One stout run defender is in danger of being moved.

The New England Patriots’ former 3rd-round pick is on the chopping block

Anfernee Jennings is strongly viewed as a cap casualty because of his inconsistencies as a pass rusher, his contract, and the Patriots’ previous attempts to trade him. The longest-tenured player was a healthy scratch twice in 2025, as the Patriots attempted to trade him but were unable to find a trade suitor. Jennings carved out a consistent role down the stretch because of Harold Landry III’s injury and recorded four sacks across 18 games and seven starts.

He enters the final year of his contract and is set to earn a $3 million base salary, a per-game bonus totaling $750,000, a $250,000 workout bonus, and a $4.87 million cap hit in 2026.

The Patriots move on from the longest-tenured player

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) during Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

According to Adam Schefter, the Patriots are releasing Anfernee Jennings. As a result, the front office clears $3.87 million in cap space while taking on $1 million in dead cap, per Over The Cap. The team has moved on from its co-longest-tenured player after six seasons.