The New England Patriots sent shockwaves through the NFL world on Friday, releasing veteran safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers just days before the season opener. A steady presence on defense and a respected leader in the locker room, Peppers’ departure caught fans and analysts off guard, sparking strong reactions across social media. With 178 tackles, three interceptions, and countless big plays in his three years in Foxborough, Peppers was seen as a cornerstone of Mike Vrabel’s revamped defense — until now.
The New England Patriots released safety Jabrill Peppers on Friday, ending his three-year run with the team.
He played in 38 games with 26 starts, 178 combined tackles, 10 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and three interceptions in his run with the Patriots. The news came as a surprise given how important Peppers has been to the team’s defense over the last three years.
He was named a team captain last season, and many expected him to vie for a starting job—or at the very least play a key role—for Patriots coach Mike Vrabel’s reconstructed defense.
Fans had strong reactions on social media to the move, particularly after it weakened a safety position that was once viewed as a strength for the team. Even if Peppers wasn’t a fit for the new defense, he was still a solid contributor who made plays throughout training camp.
Here are some of the reactions on social media to the move:
Releasing Jabrill Peppers 10 days before our first game of the season needs a real good explanation…
I seriously do not understand the release of Jabrill Peppers.
Not sure what’s going on with jabrill peppers that led to his getting cut but seems like a no-brainer addition for the Raiders
With the release of Jabrill Peppers, I think I should put an end to my silence throughout the offseason.
This decision is unfathomable to me, I would presume that the reasoning goes beyond his on-field performance.
Possible move in the works? hopefully.
Don’t talk to me, Jabrill Peppers being released feels to me like I lost a family member. I’m shocked.
