Mike Vrabel and the new-look New England Patriots have made another statement.

The Patriots are releasing veteran safety Jabrill Peppers , according to multiple reports.

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It's a surprising move on multiple levels -- first because Peppers had been a starting safety in New England for the past two seasons, second because his release comes three days after the NFL's 53-man roster cutdown deadline, and third because the Patriots aren't exactly loaded at safety. (Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson now project as the starters.)

So, why would the Patriots unceremoniously release one of their longest-tenured players just nine days before their 2025 season opener?

As Patriots Insider Phil Perry explains, the answer star

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