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2w ago

Patriots Release Jabrill Peppers After Cutdown, Vrabel Says Not About Scheme

New England shifts to Jaylinn Hawkins with rookie Craig Woodson at safety, leaving Peppers on the market.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots looks on against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 20-12.
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Overview

  • The Patriots released veteran safety Jabrill Peppers on Friday despite $4.3 million remaining in guarantees on his contract.
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters the move was not a scheme-fit issue, calling it a difficult, team-focused decision without offering specifics.
  • Peppers responded on X by asserting he can be effective in any system after nine NFL seasons under multiple head coaches and coordinators.
  • With Peppers gone, New England plans to lean on Jaylinn Hawkins and fourth-round rookie Craig Woodson at safety, with Kyle Dugger working back to full strength.
  • Cap analyst Miguel Benzan (Patscap) estimates the release creates about $1.46 million in 2025 cap space and $5.25 million in 2026, while Peppers enters free agency after serving as a 2024 captain and later being acquitted of violent charges.