Saints to sign Patriots free agent edge rusher after not taking one in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New Orleans Saints had a solid 2026 NFL Draft, as they added a ton of talent surrounding Tyler Shough to try to get the most out of him in 2026 and beyond.
However, they did miss one position during the draft: edge rusher. They traded a mid-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for former first-round edge bust Tyree Wilson, but the Saints still need more depth in the room.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Saints addressed this need the day after the draft. They’ve reportedly signed former New England Patriots third-round edge rusher Anfernee Jennings to a free agent deal.
Saints to sign Anfernee Jennings to FA deal
“Veteran pass rusher Anfernee Jennings is signing with the Saints, per source,” Fowler reports. “Jennings spent the last five seasons with New England, totaling 132 total tackles and 7.5 sacks.”
With the Saints’ lack of edge rusher additions in the draft, this signing makes a lot of sense. The veteran edge rusher will provide some extra depth in case Cameron Jordan doesn’t return.
Jennings is 28 years old and coming off his fifth year in New England. He’s started 40 games in his 75-game career with the Patriots, and has been a decent producer in his career.
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He has three passes defended, two forced fumbles, 7.5 total tackles, 217 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 25 quarterback hits.
While he might not be the splash addition to the edge rusher room that someone like Joey Bosa or Jordan would be, who are still free agents, he’s at least nice depth.
Micky Loomis still has plenty of time to add edge rusher depth to the roster, but in the long-term, there are still plenty of questions about the Saints’ depth at the position.