The New England Patriots are releasing Anfernee Jennings, their longest-tenured player, to save $3.8 million in salary cap space, sources told ESPN. The 28-year-old outside linebacker, drafted in the third round out of Alabama in 2020, had been with the team through three coaching regimes under Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo, and Mike Vrabel.

Jennings was set to earn $4 million in cash in 2026 with a $4.86 million salary cap charge. The move comes as the Patriots reshape their edge position after signing Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year, $39.5 million contract. Jennings played 14 regular-season games in 2025 with three starts, recording 19 tackles, two sacks, and seven quarterback hits.

Vrabel named Jennings a game captain for the AFC Championship Game, recognizing his professionalism in adapting to a new defensive system. The release leaves second-year player Elijah Ponder, 2025 fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson, and free agent signing Jesse Luketa as depth options behind veterans Harold Landry III and Jones. The Patriots may also target the position in the upcoming draft.