FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings, who is coming off his most productive season after being thrust into a starting role in early October, agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract to return to the New England Patriots, a league source confirmed Wednesday.
Jennings' new deal has a maximum value of $24 million, the source said.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Jennings started 14 games and totaled 66 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. His play elevated as the Patriots relied on him more after outside linebacker Matthew Judon sustained a season-ending torn biceps in early October.
Prior to that point, Jennings had mostly been a role player for the Patriots, who selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Alabama.
Finding his best fit in the Patriots' multiple defenses was a key to his breakthrough. As an edge player, his ability to force plays inside was viewed by coaches as especially valuable.
"When Anfernee first got here, he was actually focusing on off-the-ball linebacker, and we had to, from a coaching perspective, get him in the right spot [on the line of scrimmage]," first-year coach Jerod Mayo said last season, when he was serving as linebackers coach. "He is a very smart player. He understands coverages. He understands how the offense is trying to attack you. Very strong, good size."
Jennings, 26, has played in 45 career games (21 starts) and totaled 113 tackles and three sacks.
NFL Network first reported the agreement.