Some things in the NFL never change: the Cowboys finding new ways to self-sabotage, the Browns finding a new quarterback to start, and the Patriots coming out of left field with weird roster decisions. And what do you know? New England just handed the New York Giants a golden opportunity to bring back a former fan favorite with unfinished business.
Jabrill Peppers is back on the market after being released by the Pats just days before kickoff. He was seemingly in line for their starting safety spot and can still play at a high level when healthy. That didn’t stop New England from kicking him to the curb. For the G-Men, he's a familiar face at an interesting time — a tone-setter with the kind of versatility this defense could quietly benefit from.
Patriots are releasing veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, per source. Peppers still has $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract for this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2025
Peppers has started 85 games, including 26 with New England, and has totaled over 500 tackles, seven interceptions, six forced… pic.twitter.com/0D8xc5vzH7
Peppers didn’t get a proper ending the first time around. His 2020 season showed exactly what he could be — a do-it-all enforcer who flew around the field and earned captain stripes. Injuries cut that run short. But now the door’s cracked open to run it back and finally close that chapter the right way.
Giants can quietly upgrade depth with Jabrill Peppers... and settle a little score
The current safety room looks full. Jevón Holland and Tyler Nubin are the starters. Dane Belton and Beau Brade are the backups. Peppers could be used all over the field. Think of him as a hybrid weapon (nickel corner, box safety, linebacker, special teams hammer)... the type of player this defense currently lacks.
His 2024 season was chaotic. He missed time with injury and landed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List for off-field issues that ended with a full acquittal. Still, he managed 40 tackles and an interception. He's not far removed from being a reliable safety. From 2022-2023, he played in 32 of 34 games, starting 20 of them.
Heck, the 29-year-old was a fringe-Pro Bowler at times in New England. Yes, injuries have been his downfall, but he can still perform at a high level.
There's been a lot of shocking moves this offseason, and this is definitely one of them. Sure, the team is likely looking to save money and go youth-mode, but still. Pretty surprising move for a player who still has value. And after claiming Tommy DeVito the moment New York let him go, it’s only fitting for Big Blue to go eye-for-eye and claim one of theirs. No hard feelings, just good business.
Also, it's sort of objectively cool that the team would essentially trade Cutlets for Peppers, and the culinary puns/jokes would be electric.
Related: Patriots steal Giants fan favorite Tommy DeVito in heartbreaking twist
If Peppers has anything left, he brings leadership, fire, and experience to a defense still searching for its new identity. If he doesn’t, there’s nothing lost. But this move could bring the kind of upside that doesn’t hit the open market often, and just so happens to come from a familiar face.
Bring him back. What's there to lose? Peppers is better than at least one player on the current roster.