Patriots make shocking move, release defensive starter ahead of Week 1

Jarrett Bailey

Patriots make shocking move, release defensive starter ahead of Week 1 image

The New England Patriots are getting set to begin the Mike Vrabel era in just over a week when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders to begin their season. And while they revealed their first 53-man roster of the season on Tuesday, there are already changes being made to their roster.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Patriots are releasing starting safety Jabrill Peppers.

"[The] Patriots are releasing veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, per source," Schefter reports. "Peppers still has $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract for this season. Peppers has started 85 games, including 26 with New England, and has totaled over 500 tackles, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries in the NFL."

The Patriots were rumored to be moving on from Kyle Dugger, but it's Peppers who ends up getting cut. Peppers had three interceptions in three seasons with New England.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Be sure to bookmark NFL on The Sporting News for all the latest news, interviews, breakdowns, and more!

Jarrett Bailey

Jarrett Bailey is a freelance NFL writer for The Sporting News. He previously wrote for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network. Enjoyer of chocolate milk, metal music, Batman, pasta salad, and pro wrestling. There is nothing more breathtaking than a Jeff Hardy swanton bomb.