Mike Vrabel explains Patriots’ decision to release Jabrill Peppers

Peppers took to social media Monday, saying there’s “no scheme” he wouldn't be able to play in.

The Patriots cut safety Jabrill Peppers in a surprising roster move on Friday. Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe

September 1, 2025

2 minutes to read

Three days after the Patriots surprisingly released safety Jabrill Peppers, head coach Mike Vrabel explained the organization’s decision to cut ties with the player.

Rumors have swirled that New England didn’t view Peppers, an eight-year NFL veteran, as a scheme fit on Vrabel’s defense.

While Vrabel didn’t go into specifics, he denied that the decision had to do with the scheme.

“No, I don’t think — that was certainly not the issue,” Vrabel 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’ve got a lot of different schemes that we can run at all three phases … there’s a lot that goes into it. Again, we’re just trying to build toward Sunday here, and that’s our focus. It’s a decision that we had to make. Again, wish the best for Jabrill.”

However, it doesn’t appear that Peppers agrees. The 29-year-old seemingly called out the Patriots for their decision in a post on X Monday morning. Peppers defended his talent and ability to adapt to new schemes.

“Going on 9 years in this league. I’ve had 7 HCs & 6 DCs lol,” Peppers wrote. “There is no scheme you can place me in where I won’t find a way to be effective.”

Going on 9 years in this league. I’ve had 7 HCs & 6 DCs lol There is no scheme you can place me in where I won’t find a way to be effective.
— JP5 (@JabrillPeppers) September 1, 2025

Vrabel explained that it wasn’t an easy choice to move on from Peppers, who initially made the 53-man roster.

“I think that these things are tough decisions. I think we’re just trying to get it right,” Vrabel said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Jabrill as a person and as a player. 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, and they’re never easy. We’re just trying to get it right, collectively. … I know Jabrill will do good things in this league and outside of the field, as well. He’s a passionate player and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry offered insight into New England’s perspective after reports of Peppers’s release surfaced.

“Safeties in this scheme are going to be asked to play a lot of man [coverage]. They’ll be asked to play a lot in the deep part of the field,” Perry said. “Previous scheme valued the physicality guys like Peppers/[Kyle] Dugger brought in as in-the-box types who could re-route receivers and stop the run.”

“There had been signs recently that the Patriots would lean more on Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson at safety,” Perry said in another post. “My opinion: Still thought Peppers could have a role for Vrabel. Roster doesn’t look deep enough to readily cast aside NFL-caliber talent.”

Additionally, Perry reported that there were no recent off-field issues prompting the Patriots to release Peppers.

Peppers was arrested in October 2024 on assault and drug charges. He missed seven games, but was reinstated to New England’s roster in November and was acquitted in January. He admitted to cocaine possession before his trial.

Since being released on Friday, Peppers has yet to land with another team. The NFL’s Week 1 slate kicks off with Cowboys-Eagles on Thursday night.