Among the various positions the Patriots needed to promptly address this offseason was their pass rush, as it continued to be one of their most vulnerable areas of the defense, especially after Jerod Mayo traded Matthew Judon last summer. The new regime, led by Mike Vrabel, prioritized that in free agency by signing the likes of Harold Landry, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Milton Williams.
So far, the trio has been some of the best players on defense throughout training camp and the preseason, leaving one returning defender noticeably moving down the depth chart. That was so apparent in the Patriots' preseason opener that Anfernee Jennings was still on the field at the end of the matchup against the Commanders.
He did not face the same fate against the Vikings on Saturday, which might be a good sign, and Vrabel made sure to give him credit for the work he's been putting in to secure a spot on the 2025 roster. But it might be too little, too late.
Now, Jennings is being floated as a potential trade option ahead of the regular season by various analysts, and that might be the inevitable future he faces.
Anfernee Jennings continues to be the odd man out of a crowded Patriots pass rush roster
Despite an impressive performance against the Vikings offense, recording three combined tackles, three sacks, and three tackles for a loss, Jennings continues to fight for his spot on the Patriots' 2025 roster.
33 gets there! @anferneejenning | #NEPats
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 16, 2025
📺: WBZ pic.twitter.com/X5JPE0DZOh
Much like another player in the same position (Kyle Dugger), any highlighted performance now might be too little, too late, especially since Jennings has long been deemed a player who doesn't fit the style of linebacker that Vrabel likes to have on his defenses.
That has prompted reporters, like Boston Sports Journal's Greg Bedard, to speculate about the linebacker being on the trade block ahead of the season. The Patriots don't have many tradeable players, but Jennings could be one of them, regardless of a likely low return.
Anferenee Jennings is showcasing for a possible trade with two sacks on this drive. Good player, just not a great fit for this scheme, and Patriots have decent edge depth.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) August 16, 2025
With the rise of other players that the new regime signed this offseason, it looks increasingly unlikely that Jennings will manage to overshadow any of them in the next few weeks to lock up a spot on the roster instead of being traded.
It would also be a worthy transaction, given they would only take on $1 million in dead cap, but save $4.3 million in cap space by trading him. That would be the better route, rather than flat-out cutting him, so it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him shipped off around roster cuts.
Jennings is a talented player and has proven that during his time with the Patriots. He could easily be a solid addition to any defense in the league, and there are surely teams that will be looking to add more pass rush depth to their roster before the season begins.
What they would be willing to give up to acquire Jennings is more of the question, but adding any draft picks makes it a worthy move for the Patriots, as they want to continue to build their roster through the draft.