In one of the more surprising roster cuts from the last week, the New England Patriots released veteran safety Jabrill Peppers on Friday.
Speaking for the first time since the move, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was complimentary of the safety while emphasizing the team-first approach guiding roster construction.
“Well, I think these things are tough decisions. We’re just trying to get it right,” Vrabel said. “I have a lot of respect for Jabrill as a person and as a player. And what we felt like was in the best interest of the team at this point, was allowing him to have another opportunity elsewhere.
“There’s a lot of things that go into these decisions. They’re never easy. We’re just trying to get it right collectively. Again, there’s a personal side and a professional side — talked about that with the players this morning. And whether you agree with it or disagree with it, just try to respect it and move forward. And continue to build a team, continue to build a program. I know Jabrill will do good things in this league… have a lot of respect for him.”
Peppers’ release comes as Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams install a new scheme in their first year in charge — one that places more emphasis on deep zone coverage from the safety position. That led to questions about how well the physical Peppers would fit.
The safety seemed to push back on that narrative with a social media post Monday morning,
Vrabel downplayed the idea that scheme was the deciding factor.
“No, I think that was certainly not the issue,” he said. “There’s a lot of reasons. I wouldn’t say — we’re going to try to do what’s best for the team. We have a lot of different schemes that we can run in all three phases, special teams, offense and defense. So there’s a lot that goes into it. We’re just trying to build toward Sunday here. And that’s our focus. It’s a decision we had to make, and again, I wish the best for Jabrill.”
Down the stretch of training camp, Peppers — one of the few regulars to play in New England’s preseason finale — appeared to be passed on the depth chart by Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, a fourth-round pick back in April.
That duo now will be relied upon for significant roles to enter the season, with Kyle Dugger and Dell Pettus joining them in the safety rotation.
“I think his athleticism, I think his range in the field. The more he plays, I think he’ll continue to get better,” Vrabel said of Woodson. “That’s the hope there with Craig. We’ll see with [Jaylinn Hawkins], and [Kyle Dugger] and obviously Dell [Pettus] working back there now. Just trying to find a role for everybody here.”
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