Patriots release Jabrill Peppers: What happened and what is next
Jabrill Peppers getting released by the Patriots. Credit: Danielle Pahizkaran/Globe Staff
The New England Patriots made a stunning late preseason move: veteran safety Jabrill Peppers has been released. Once a defensive mainstay and multi-year contract signee, Peppers’ departure highlights shifting strategies under the new coaching regime. Here’s a full breakdown.
The Surprising Cut, Peppers Released Ahead of Season
On August 29, 2025, NFL insiders broke news that the Patriots had released Jabrill Peppers, a nine-year veteran known for versatility and leadership in the secondary. Despite signing a three-year, $24 million extension in 2024, with over $4.3 million guaranteed, he was cut at the 53-man roster deadline room-clearing move.
Head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, ushering in a new era of Patriots defense, opted to move in a different direction despite Peppers participating heavily in training camp. The remaining safety roster includes Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus, and special-teams ace Brenden Schooler.
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Peppers’ Impact with the Patriots
Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 and later traded to the Giants, Peppers signed with New England in 2022 as a depth safety. Coming off a torn ACL, he joined on a one-year, $2 million deal and worked his way into the starting lineup. Across three seasons, he became a defensive stalwart, logging 178 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two recoveries, and one sack in 38 games.
His contract extensions in 2023 and 2024 reflected the team’s trust in him, with the latter securing him through 2027. Still, his release underscores how quickly NFL fortunes can shift under a new coaching vision.
The Broader Ripple Effect
Peppers’ departure is part of broader roster reset as the Patriots reshape around Vrabel’s system. The team’s safety rotation now leans on Jaylinn Hawkins, recently re-signed, and defensive contributors like Woodson and Pettus.
Peppers’ versatility, coverage, blitzing, run support, made him a reliable component. Replacing that presence will test a new-look secondary early. Meanwhile, his release may also present an opportunity for teams like the Cleveland Browns, who value his adaptable skill set and past ties with their front office.
What’s Next for Peppers
Now a free agent, Peppers finds himself unexpectedly on the market. With guarantees still owed, he may pivot toward a team willing to leverage his versatility on defense. A return to Cleveland, a team searching for defensive support and familiar with his game, might make sense.
His NFL résumé remains strong, multiple defensive roles, veteran leadership, and resilience through injury. Regardless of landing spot, Peppers could offer immediate impact to contenders in need of depth and experience.
Jabrill Peppers’ release by the Patriots signals more than a roster shift, it’s a symbol of transition under new leadership in New England. While abrupt, his release opens questions about how the Patriots will compensate for his multifaceted contributions, and where Peppers’ dynamic NFL career may continue.