It's finally time for NFL teams to start turning the page to the 2026 season, and a number of organizations have already begun parting ways with players.
The New England Patriots still have a handful of roster moves they can make before the new league year begins on March 11, and one possibility is cutting a key player from their defense.
On Monday, Thomas Valentine from Pro Football Focus highlighted his top cut candidate for each NFL team. Among these names, he singled out linebacker Anfernee Jennings as the Patriots' leading candidate for release.
"Anfernee Jennings was an early trade candidate at the start of the Mike Vrabel era. After staying put, he notched a 67.1 PFF grade in 2025, coming up with 20 pressures from Week 12 until the Super Bowl. Jennings was an important pass-rusher at times, but the team could still move on from him this offseason," Valentine wrote.
"Jennings is just one of a few cut candidates who make sense for the Patriots. Releasing him will save just $3.8 million, but it might be necessary if the team hands K’Lavon Chaisson a big extension."
The Patriots drafted Jennings in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and over the last five seasons, he has played a valuable role for New England. However, Jennings is now in the final year of a three-year, $12 million extension he signed in 2024, carrying a cap hit of $4.8 million this season. If the Patriots can move on from his contract, it could open up opportunities for them to bring in additional talent.
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