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2w ago

Patriots Release Safety Jabrill Peppers Days Before Week 1

The move reflects Mike Vrabel's shift toward younger, coverage-oriented safeties.

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Sep 8, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates following the win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • ESPN first reported the release on Aug. 29, with Peppers still owed $4.32 million guaranteed for 2025 after signing a multi-year extension last summer.
  • Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson are positioned to start at safety, with Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus and special-teams standout Brenden Schooler in reserve, creating an open roster spot.
  • Reporters attribute the decision to scheme fit under Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, as Peppers was overtaken on the depth chart during camp and started the preseason finale.
  • Cap analysts note roughly $1.46 million in 2025 savings and dead-money hits of about $4.16 million this year and $3 million in 2026, with additional savings projected in 2026–27.
  • Peppers appeared in six games last season after time on the commissioner's exempt list following an arrest, was acquitted in January, briefly referenced his strong PFF grade on social media, and now enters free agency.