Decision comes days after another first-round pick let go by Patriots

THE New England Patriots shockingly cut a $39 million veteran just days ahead of the new season.

The Patriots begin their 2025 NFL campaign against the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday.

New England Patriots are releasing safety Jabrill PeppersCredit: AP
But they will go into that curtain-raiser without Jabrill Peppers.

That is because ESPN claim Peppers is being let go.

Safety Peppers, 29, joined the Patriots from the New York Giants in 2022.

And he still had three years left to run on his contract – with a guaranteed $4.32m remaining for 2025.
However, it is claimed the 2017 first-round pick is surplus to requirements.The Patriots brought in a new head coach Mike Vrabel and co-ordinator Terrell Williams.

And it is thought Peppers is not seen as a good fit in their new-look defense.

As a result, he could be up for grabs.

The Patriots may try and use him in a trade with a rival franchise.

Otherwise, he could hit the open market and be available to get snapped up.
Why Travis Kelce will be benched by Chiefs this season
But the contract situation could make a trade tricky.Peppers was selected by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 then moved to the Giants in 2019.

He has 99 career NFL games with 85 starts.

The 5ft 11ins ace from New Jersey has 35 career passes defensed, seven interceptions and 5.5 sacks.

Peppers’ exit comes days after a fellow former first-round pick, Cole Strange, was released by the Patriots.