The New England Patriots made a surprise move Friday, releasing veteran starter and former Michigan star Jabrill Peppers.
The former 2017 first-round pick has started at safety each of the past three years for the Patriots and was entering his second season of a three-year, $25 million extension he signed last July.
Last year, Peppers was named a team captain but only appeared in six games because of off-the-field issues and injury. The 2016 Heisman Trophy finalist was placed on the Commissioner Exempt List in October after he was arrested for domestic violence and possession of cocaine, but was available to return in November.
Peppers, 29, then missed the final three games of the regular season because of a hamstring injury, finishing his campaign with 40 total tackles, two for a loss and one interception. He was trending to start again in 2025, but the Patriots appear to be looking to give some of their younger defensive backs more opportunities under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and new coordinator Terrell Williams.
The former five-star recruit is just one season removed from a career-year in 2023, when he recorded 78 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and a sack in 15 games.
Prior to New England, Peppers played three seasons with the Giants after beginning his career in Cleveland.
In eight NFL seasons, the New Jersey native has 511 tackles, seven interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and 5 ½ sacks.
He was a two-time All-American at Michigan and declared for the draft after his junior season.
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