It traded Mac Jones to Jacksonville and Mack Wilson signed to Arizona as a free agent, but the New England Patriots want to hang on to a University of Alabama alumnus from its 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship squad.
Anfernee Jennings, a former Crimson Tide edge rusher, is expected to return to the Patriots on a three-year deal.
RELATED: Former Alabama player leaves Dolphins to sign with AFC South team in NFL free agency
Mike Reiss, an ESPN National NFL reporter for the Patriots, reported the news Wednesday.
The Patriots and OLB Anfernee Jennings are in agreement on a 3-year deal for him to return to the team, a source confirms.
Jennings, a 2020 third-round pick from Alabama, is coming off his best season — 14 starts, 66 tackles, 1.5 sacks.
Strong edge player.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 13, 2024
Jennings, a third-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, was on two CFP National Championship teams (2015, 2017) for the Tide.
He made first-team All-Southeastern Conference for his excellence in 2019, tallying 83 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss (team-high), eight sacks (team-high), five pass breakups, eight quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and an interception. He had a career-high 66 tackles in 2023 for the Patriots and totaled 1.5 sacks.
He also turned in a fumble recovery in 14 starts.
He missed the 2021 season because of an injury; however, Jennings has 113 career tackles in 45 games.
New England sees something in him it likes and wants him to work out.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
