Patriots' failed trade could come back to haunt them over a top cut candidate

"Anfernee Jennings was an early trade candidate at the start of the Mike Vrabel era. After staying put, he notched a 67.1 PFF grade in 2025, coming up with 20 pressures from Week 12 until the Super Bowl. Jennings was an important pass-rusher at times, but the team could still move on from him this offseason."

"Edges need to produce sacks, yet he's only managed to notch 7.5 in those five years, mostly as a backup. He's not a starting-level player and is marginal even as a backup."

"He's the team's best offensive lineman, but he plays guard and is making tackle-level money. He could be traded to save a minimum of $17.5M on the cap."

The New England Patriots face significant roster decisions this offseason to improve their championship prospects. To create salary cap flexibility, they must release or trade players who underperformed or are overpaid relative to their production. Edge rusher Anfernee Jennings emerges as a prime cut candidate despite showing improvement late in 2025, having accumulated only 7.5 sacks across five seasons. Other potential cap casualties include guard Mike Onwenu, whose tackle-level salary doesn't match his position, and center Garrett Bradbury if the team believes Jared Wilson can assume the role. These moves would free millions in cap space to pursue higher-impact players through free agency and the draft.

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