Grade the signing: Saints acquire a 2nd pass rusher in just over 24 hours by adding former third-round pick in free agency
The New Orleans Saints just improved their defense under DC Brandon Staley. They’ve added a veteran presence who may replace Cameron Jordan if he signs elsewhere during free agency.
The New Orleans Saints are not settling or taking time off following the NFL Draft. Instead, they have already made a notable free agency decision to improve their defense next season.
Saints add anther pass rusher via free agency
According to Nick Underhill, the Saints are signing linebacker/pass rusher Anfernee Jennings.
Jennings is a former third-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2020. He’s got 43 starts in his pro career and has totaled 233 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries as an NFL defender.
Improvement off the edge was a point of concern entering the 2026 NFL draft for New Orleans, but they did not address it with a rookie addition. Instead, the Saints have now traded for Tyree Wilson, a former first-round pick, and acquired Jennings via free agency over the past day and a half.
Jennings probably won’t be slated to start, as the Saints do have Chase Young and Carl Granderson as returning pieces at the position. He will be key depth, though. Jennings provides another experienced presence and will get on the field in 2026.
They’re also waiting on veteran EDGE rusher Cameron Jordan to decide his next team. He’s still available in free agency, and a return to New Orleans is still possible.
GRADE: B-
It’s tough to hand out a clear, aggressive grade since we do not know the contract details quite yet. This will be updated once those numbers come out for Jennings with the Saints.
