Jabrill Peppers Release Stuns NFL After Patriots Cut High-Graded Safety

The New England Patriots have released veteran safety Jabrill Peppers. The unexpected move came on Friday as teams finalized their 53-man rosters for the 2025 NFL season. Peppers, a team captain, was a key part of the Patriots’ defensive plans.

He signed a lucrative three-year contract extension just last summer. The decision has sent shockwaves through the league and left the player himself visibly stunned.

Patriots’ Surprise Roster Move

Jabrill Peppers was included on the initial 53-man roster. His release shortly after was a major surprise to analysts and fans. According to Patriots Wire, Peppers immediately reacted to the news on social media.

He retweeted a post from analytics firm Pro Football Focus. The post highlighted his elite 90.1 grade over the last two seasons. That grade ranked him fourth among all safeties in the entire NFL. Peppers accompanied the share with thoughtful emojis before deleting the post.

Peppers’ Reaction and Recent Challenges

The 29-year-old’s cryptic social media activity began before the official news. On Thursday, he posted, “Turn my phone off every time I’m thrown off.” This suggests he may have had an inkling of the team’s difficult decision.

Peppers’ 2024 season was marred by off-field challenges. He faced serious domestic violence accusations but was later found not guilty in a Braintree court. He missed significant playing time, featuring in only six games due to the legal matter and injury.

His career totals include 511 tackles and seven interceptions. The Cleveland Browns originally drafted him in the first round out of Michigan in 2017.

What’s Next for the Patriots’ Defense?

New England’s safety room will now look very different. The team will rely on Kyle Dugger and special teams ace Brenden Schooler. New additions Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson are also expected to see increased roles.

The Patriots will carry a $4.32 million dead cap hit for this season. This is from the guaranteed money remaining on Peppers’ now-terminated contract. This financial hit underscores the surprising nature of the roster decision.

The Jabrill Peppers release is a stark reminder of the NFL’s business-first nature. Even proven, high-performing veterans are not safe from sudden roster changes as teams build for the future.

Info at your fingertips

Why did the Patriots release Jabrill Peppers?

The Patriots have not publicly specified a reason for the surprise move. It appears to be a football decision related to roster construction and future planning, despite his high performance grade.

How did Jabrill Peppers react to his release?

Peppers seemed shocked. He quickly shared a post highlighting his top-tier PFF ranking among NFL safeties, signaling his belief in his own high level of play.

What is Jabrill Peppers’ contract situation?

Peppers signed a three-year, $24 million extension in 2024. His release means the Patriots will absorb a $4.32 million dead cap hit for the guaranteed money owed to him this season.

Who will replace Jabrill Peppers on the Patriots?

The team will likely use a combination of Kyle Dugger, Jaylinn Hawkins, and rookie Craig Woodson to fill the void in the safety corps left by Peppers’ departure.

What were Jabrill Peppers’ stats with the Patriots?

Over his career, Peppers has accumulated 511 tackles, seven interceptions, and 5.5 sacks. His specific impact in New England was noted by analytics for his strong defensive coverage and tackling.