In just a matter of a few months, the Patriots look like a completely different team. From the players to the front office and coaching staff, few remain from the dynasty days. Enter Mike Vrabel, who has brought in a new regime that has moved on from some notable Patriots.
Their offseason has consisted of bringing in Vrabel players and moving on from tenured players. In the last few months, the Patriots have released David Andrews, Ja’Whaun Bentley, and Joe Cardona, while electing not to re-sign Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise.
The Patriots will enter this upcoming season with no players from the Super Bowl-winning teams, and they won’t be done moving on from long-tenured players before Week 1.
Anfernee Jennings Won’t Make Roster
Anfernee Jennings has been on the Patriots for four seasons and could see his time coming to an end before the start of the season. Jennings, who was drafted in the third-round by the Patriots in 2020, is coming off his best season, posting 2.5 sacks and 9 quarterback hits.
Jennings signed a three-year, $12 million extension with the Patriots last March. Although Jennings has turned into a starter, he hasn’t put up starting-level production. At best, Jennings is a rotational pass rusher, and he hasn’t been able to contribute, with the Patriots ranking last in sacks (28) last season.
Jennings and the Patriots' failure to get to the quarterback last season have led to the team putting an emphasis on improving their pass rush, signing Harold Landry III, K’Lavon Chaisson, and drafting Bradyn Swinson. These acquisitions put Jennings' job in jeopardy.
If Jennings is going to make the Patriots roster, he must show Vrabel and the new coaching staff improvement over the next couple of months. The team has already moved on from several players; don’t be surprised if Jennings is next.