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Patriots Sign Ex-Raiders Free Agent Safety

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Christian Paolantonio | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 4:14 PM ET

The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $4.4 million with free-agent safety Marcus Epps, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Epps will be returning from a torn ACL, which he suffered in week three last season during a loss against the Carolina Panthers. Before his injury, Epps started 45 games throughout his career for the Las Vegas Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. Epps was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings from Wyoming University but lasted just over a season in Minnesota. Epps will be entering his seventh NFL season in 2025.

According to several now-former Raiders coaches, Epps was a perceived leader on the back end during his time with Las Vegas. With a new regime led by head coach Pete Carroll, it appears the team is heading in a completely different direction, which is evident from the roster overhaul this offseason.

Barring a surprise farewell to either Kyle Dugger or Jabrill Peppers, we expect Epps to play a similar role to former Patriots' safety Duron Harmon during his time with New England. Harmon served as a third safety in multiple looks on defense in previous years, especially in dime sets.

Epps is the second former Raiders player to join New England in the past 48 hours, as K’Lavon Chaisson signed a deal with the Patriots on Thursday evening.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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