Former Alabama linebacker foresees turnaround for New Orleans Saints

The New England Patriots pulled off a stunning turnaround last season, jumping from a 4-13 record in 2024 to a spot in Super Bowl LX. Now, former Alabama and Dadeville High School linebacker Anfernee Jennings believes his new team, the New Orleans Saints, is poised for a similar transformation in 2026.

The Saints finished 2025 with a 6-11 record, but Jennings sees the building blocks for a massive leap. “Based off what the Saints were able to do towards the end of the season last year,” Jennings said, “and what they’ve done in the offseason as far as, like, getting players and helping guys, I think that offensively we got a chance and defensively we got a chance to be really good.”

Bringing Championship DNA to the Big Easy

After spending his entire career in New England since being drafted in the third round in 2020, Jennings was released on March 11. The move saved the Patriots $3.868 million in salary-cap space for the 2026 season. On April 28, the veteran defender signed a one-year contract worth $1,402,500 to join the Saints.

Jennings brings critical big-game experience to a roster that features 20 rookies. New Orleans closed out the 2025 season strong, winning four of their final five games under head coach Kellen Moore. The team has since bolstered its depth with Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (the No. 8 overall pick), 1,000-yard rusher Travis Etienne Jr., and Super Bowl champion guard David Edwards.

“It helps a lot,” Jennings said regarding the value of Super Bowl experience on a team. “You kind of know what it takes to get there and you kind of know what it takes within the team... how to hold your teammates accountable, too, as well as yourself.”

Peaking at the Right Time

Jennings is coming off a season where he showed his best stuff down the stretch. While he saw limited action early in the 2025 regular season, he exploded in December. Of his total 42 tackles and four sacks last year, 29 tackles and three sacks came after the start of December. He also started three of New England's four playoff games, recording 131 defensive snaps in the postseason.

The transition to New Orleans is also a homecoming for the 2014 Class 4A Lineman of the Year. After shifting from inside linebacker to a productive edge defender in New England—where he posted career highs of 78 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2024—Jennings is ready to showcase his skills in the South.

“I’m just blessed to be where I’m at now going into Year 7 in the league,” Jennings said. “Just being able to change my whole thing with my family pattern and just be here and have the kids where I’m from look up to me and now finally having a opportunity to go back down South and play, man. Like, that’s huge to me.”

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