The New England Patriotsreleased 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…
— ⋆ (@80kft) August 29, 2025
I seriously do not understand the release of Jabrill Peppers.
— Bobby Thompson (@BThomps81) August 29, 2025
All those roses and admirations for Kendrick Bourne should have be for Jabrill Peppers who is a much, much better player and was way more impactful during his time in New England.
— Will Campbell Franchise LT (@TheJoeyMcNeely) August 29, 2025
I’ll be honest…I had no idea Jabrill Peppers was the second coming of Brian Dawkins or Rodney Harrison. I think we all need to chill. We become too attached to these mid-to-good players sometimes. He doesn’t fit the scheme, it is what is is.
Also, Dugger fills his role.
— Mike Sullivan (@msully5433) August 29, 2025
Trying to make any sense of the Jabrill Peppers release. Borderline top 10 safety who makes that secondary a lot better
— Louis (Fanalyze) (@fanalyzesports) August 29, 2025
BREAKING: The New England Patriots have released Jabrill Peppers—TERRIBLE decision! He’s a fantastic player, tough, smart, plays with heart. This move is HORRIBLE for the team. Patriots fans deserve better!!! #Patriots#NFL”
— Kevin Speary (@SpearyKevin) August 29, 2025
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.
— New England Place (@PatriotsMVP) August 29, 2025
Don’t talk to me, Jabrill Peppers being released feels to me like I lost a family member. I’m shocked.
— Israelashala (@israelashala) August 29, 2025
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 pic.twitter.com/UCcwCOAJR7
— The Mad Raider (@RaiderLoot) August 29, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Twitter reacts strongly to Patriots cutting Jabrill Peppers
