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18m ago

Patriots Release Veteran Safety Jabrill Peppers Ahead of Week 1

A shift under Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams left his skill set a poor fit despite remaining guarantees.

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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
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 19: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the New England Patriots reacts as he looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium on September 19, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Overview

  • ESPN first reported the move, which comes despite Peppers projecting as a starter after three seasons in New England and a 2024 captaincy.
  • Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson have emerged as the top safeties, with Kyle Dugger, Dell Pettus and special teamer Brenden Schooler rounding out the group.
  • Peppers has $4.32 million guaranteed left this season; local reporting pegs the cap impact at roughly $4 million in dead money and about $2.45 million in savings.
  • Coaches’ evaluations during camp saw Hawkins and Woodson surpass Peppers, who played in the preseason finale as a sign his roster spot was not secure.
  • Peppers missed seven games last season on the commissioner’s exempt list following an October 2024 arrest, was later acquitted of the assault-related charges and pleaded guilty to a drug charge, and his release also opens a roster spot as the team hosted LB Luke Masterson for a tryout this week.