In a stunning development, the New England Patriots have reportedly decided to release veteran safety Jabril Peppers. They let go of one of their best and most productive players over the past few campaigns. It's a strange turn of events that should have fans wondering what's happening in Foxborough, especially given some of the circumstances surrounding the situation.
Truthfully, it's hard to understand New England's thought process in dismissing Peppers; there are so many questions. Why wait until after the NFL's roster cutdown deadline to make this move? Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston cites scheme fit concerns, but if so, why didn’t he play this preseason? The Patriots made it seem like he was a lock to make the final 53-man squad. What are we missing?
Patriots releasing Jabril Peppers raises more questions than answers
Why not try to trade Peppers? Why him instead of his defensive backfield mate, Kyle Dugger, whom the Pats tried shopping to no avail? The latter has ostensibly fallen out of favor under new head coach Mike Vrabel, getting demoted from starter to practicing with the scout team this offseason. How did the former suddenly become the odd man out?
The Patriots chose to eat Peppers' remaining $4.32 million in guaranteed money this season over dumping someone they demonstrably consider expendable (h/t ESPN's Adam Schefter). It'd be one thing if this were a performance-based or disciplinary transaction. Yet, effectiveness isn't in question, and his value in New England exceeded the gridiron as a respected locker room presence. Moreover, he's been acquitted of the assault and battery charges that landed him on the Commissioner Exempt List last year.
New England signed Peppers to a three-year, $24 million contract extension last July, and now, he's no longer in the picture. Meanwhile, it's "unclear" why the Patriots took this route, per Chad Graff and Dianna Russini of The Athletic ($). Particularly because the soon-to-be 30-year-old has been a "vocal supporter of Vrabel's changes."
Peppers was the last of New England's six captains from 2024, signaling a turning tide in New England with Vrabel. Pro Football Focus (PFF) shared that his 90.1 player grade across the previous two seasons ranks fourth among all safeties. In other words, he should land with another franchise soon.
Conversely, the Patriots will move forward with an underwhelming and unproven back end of the secondary. Sixth-year journeyman Jaylinn Hawkins will line up next to fourth-round rookie Craig Woodson. Perhaps the goal of kicking Peppers to the curb was to free up opportunities for them, yet that still doesn't move the needle justification-wise.