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Jun 10, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) walks to the practice fields for minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Did Patriots Have Reason For Releasing Veteran DB?

Originally posted on New England Patriots on SI
By Mike D'Abate | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 7:00 AM ET

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Heading into the final week of 2025 NFL preseason action, veteran safety Jabrill Peppers had all but locked up a starting role within the New England Patriots defensive backfield … or so it seemed.

Peppers had figured prominently within the Pats‘ defensive alignments during training camp and the preseason — often taking the role as the top safety on the Patriots depth chart. In short, his experience, versatility and physical style of play appeared to make him an ideal fit within the upfield, aggressive defensive schemes preferred by head coach Mike Vrabel and coordinator Terrell Williams.

However, just nine days before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders in their regular season opener at Gillette Stadium [Sept. 7, 1:00pm ET,] the Patriots and Peppers are surprisingly parting ways.

While Peppers’ release understandably caused confusion — and even shock — throughout Patriots Nation on Friday, it also served as a sobering reminder that even the team’s best players may not necessarily be the right ones — at least, with the moves they are trying.

Over the course of his three-year tenure with the Pats, Peppers had been New England’s most versatile safety. The 29-year-old had aligned at box safety, free safety, wide cornerback, slot cornerback, hybrid linebacker and even taken some snaps on the defensive line. Peppers also had plenty of experience on special teams, making him one of the most physical and multi-faceted players on their roster.

Yet, Peppers’ role within the Pats defense began to wane in the closing days of training camp. Once a fixture in New England’s three-safety sets — alongside veteran Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson — the former Michigan Wolverine had yielded the spotlight to his aforementioned counterparts. In addition to his slightly reduced role, Peppers raised some eyebrows by taking 21 snaps on defense in the Patriots’ 42-10 loss to the New York Giants in their preseason finale — a game in which nearly all of New England’s presumed starters were given the night off.

Despite the recent change in his usage, Peppers remained among the unlikeliest candidates for release. His prominent place within the Pats defense made him a seemingly safe bet to play his football in Foxborough this season. In addition, his reputation for being an exceptional leader purportedly gave New England a strong veteran presence in an otherwise young, athletic secondary.

Still, the Patriots opted to move on from Peppers — ultimately for reasons known only to them at this time.

For those intent on cultivating conspiracy theories, NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry confirmed late Friday that the team’s actions were not related to any “off-field issues” or “conflicts.” By most accounts, Peppers was well-resepected by both his teammates and coaches.

In the final analysis, Peppers likley became a cumbersome fit within New England’s shift in defenisve philosophy. By definition, the safety is the last line of defense against giving up a big pass or run play. It is the safety’s job to stop any plays breaking for big yardage or a touchdown. Possessing both the speed and coverage ability of a cornerback and the tackling strength of a linebacker, few safeties appear to fit that description better than Peppers, right?

Not so fast …

Under previous Patriots coaches Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo — a system in which Peppers flourished — the “box” safety was charged with the duty of disrupting the routes of pass-catchers and stopping the run. At times, they would play hybrid-linebacker-type roles, aligning closer to the line of scrimmage. However, Vrabel and Williams require their safeties to be more traditional, in the form of playing man coverage in the deeper parts of the field. Simply put, Hawkins and Woodson have looked more comfortable as a starting tandem, with veteran Kyle Dugger and second-year thumper Dell Pettus playing key reserve roles.

Simply put, Peppers was no longer compatible with Vrabel’s defense. Despite his undeniable talent, the Pats chose to provide the eight-year veteran time to re-establish his career with another team in advance of Week 1.

Ultimately, time will decide whether New England’s course of action on Peppers was made with swiftness or sagacity.

In the meantime, New England’s defensive backfield will move forward with new faces and a defenisve new system —ironically embodying a familiar fundamental objective of each player doing their job.

This article first appeared on New England Patriots on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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