In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have released veteran safety Jabrill Peppers. The shocking transaction was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and later announced by the team Friday afternoon.

Peppers, 29, was about to enter his fourth season in New England and was set to be one of the team's starting safeties. He was a team captain last year, though he only played in six games due to injuries and domestic violence charges that were later tossed out in court .

Mike Giardi of The Boston Sports Journal reported Friday that Peppers' release from the team had nothing to do with any off-field issues. It was just a football decision by the Patriots brass.

It looked like Peppers was going to be an important veteran for Mike Vrabel in the head coach's first season in N

See Full Page