The Patriots and outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings have reached a 3-year, $12 million deal worth up to $24 million, a source confirmed to the Herald.

Jennings, a 2020 third-round pick, returns less than a day after the team agreed to terms with fellow 2020 edge rusher Josh Uche. Jennings started 14 games last season in a career year, when he tallied 1.5 sacks, but ranked among the league’s best run defenders off the edge. His return helps soften a need for the Patriots, who now have him, Uche, Matt Judon and others back at the position.

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Jennings was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Along with Uche, safety Kyle Dugger (transition tag) and offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, Jennings is the fourth player from that 2020 draft class that the Patriots have brought back this offseason.

NFL Media was first to report the deal.