Former 1st-round pick has signed with the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a move to bolster their defense after their impressive Week 1 win over the New York Jets.

Veteran safety Jabrill Peppers agreed to a deal with the Steelers on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Peppers was surprisingly released by the New England Patriots last month after he spent the last two seasons as a full-time starter in their secondary. He originally joined the team in 2022 and signed a 3-year, $24 million contract extension prior to last season.

Mike Vrabel was not the head coach in New England at the time Peppers signed his lucrative extension, so there was speculation that the 29-year-old was viewed as a poor fit for the scheme Vrabel and his defensive coordinator Terrell Williams want to run. Peppers made it clear that he does not believe that is the reason he was cut.

Peppers was limited to just six games last season in part because of off-field issues. He was arrested in October 2024 and charged with assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation and possession of cocaine. The arrest came following an alleged incident in which a woman claimed Peppers “hit her, choked her, took off her clothing and put her outside” after an argument became physical. You can read more about the allegations here.

Peppers was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list following the arrest. He was reinstated late in the season, and he pleaded guilty to the drug charge in January. A jury found Peppers not guilty of all of the other charges.

Prior to signing with the Patriots in 2022, Peppers played for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. The Browns drafted him out of Michigan in the first round (No. 25 overall) in 2017.

Peppers has 511 total tackles, 7 interceptions and 5.5 sacks in his career. He is known for being solid in run support, which could be one reason the Steelers decided to sign him after giving up 182 rushing yards in their 34-32 win over the Jets on Sunday.