The New England Patriots are parting ways with a veteran safety and former team captain. And we’re not talking about Kyle Dugger.
The Patriots are releasing Jabrill Peppers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday.
Peppers’ release is an eye-opener, as the 29-year-old still has $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract and projected as a key contributor for New England in 2025.
But as Patriots Insider Phil Perry noted Friday, Peppers’ skill set doesn’t quite mesh with New England’s new-look defense under head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
“For some of the same reasons Kyle Dugger (who is still with the team) is not viewed as a great fit for the new Patriots defense, Peppers was not viewed as a perfect match for this scheme,” Perry wrote on X.
“Still surprising to see him let go. Roster continues to change under Mike Vrabel.”
Peppers was one of the Patriots’ most productive defenders in 2023, racking up 78 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble while playing 84 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He played in just six games last season, however, and missed eight games while on the NFL’s commissioner’s exempt list after being arrested on allegations of domestic violence and cocaine possession. (He was later acquitted of the domestic violence charges.)
Even if Vrabel didn’t view Peppers as a scheme fit, it’s stunning to see the Patriots release a player of Peppers’ caliber just nine days before their season opener — seemingly without exploring trade possibilities for the talented veteran.
With Peppers now off the roster and Dugger relegated to backup duties, the Patriots could roll out Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson as their starting safeties in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Dell Pettus currently is the only other safety on the 53-man roster, which now has an open spot following Peppers’ release.
