Mike Vrabel became the Patriots head coach in January and has since focused on restructuring the team. With Drake Maye as the quarterback of the future, Vrabel recognized the need for a roster overhaul. Significant upgrades were made through free agency and the draft, specifically targeting the offensive line and linebacker positions. Key players like Ja'Whaun Bentley and Sione Takitaki have been replaced, as Vrabel aims to bring in faster, more agile linebackers, leading to speculation about existing players like Anfernee Jennings being cut.
Anfernee Jennings has been a disappointment since he was drafted in the 2020 third round to rush the passer. Built more like an inside backer than an edge at 6'2" and 255 pounds, he fit Bill Belichick's version of a linebacker to a T: Vrabel's, not so much. He's bigger, slower, and not a playmaker.
Jahlani Tavai, a decent player who ill-advisedly trashed the Foxborough faithful for booing in 2024, may also be on thin ice. Neither he nor Anfernee Jennings fits the profile of the smaller, more mobile linebacker that Vrabel prefers.
Anfernee Jennings is a really good player. He's an edge-setter in the old 3-4 Belichick defense. But now, you look at what they have on the edge, and it's (Harold) Landry, it's Keion White, it's (K'Lavon) Chaisson.
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