"Truthfully, it's hard to understand New England's thought process in dismissing Peppers; there are so many questions. Why wait until after the NFL's roster cutdown deadline to make this move? Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston cites scheme fit concerns, but if so, why didn't he play this preseason? The Patriots made it seem like he was a lock to make the final 53-man squad. What are we missing?"
"Why not try to trade Peppers? Why him instead of his defensive backfield mate, Kyle Dugger, whom the Pats tried shopping to no avail? The latter has ostensibly fallen out of favor under new head coach Mike Vrabel, getting demoted from starter to practicing with the scout team this offseason. How did the former suddenly become the odd man out?"
"The Patriots chose to eat Peppers' remaining $4.32 million in guaranteed money this season over dumping someone they demonstrably consider expendable (h/t ESPN's Adam Schefter). It'd be one thing if this were a performance-based or disciplinary transaction. Yet, effectiveness isn't in question, and his value in New England exceeded the gridiron as a respected locker room presence. Moreover, he's been acquitted of the assault and battery charges that landed him on the Commissioner Exempt List last year."
Jabril Peppers was released by the New England Patriots despite being one of their most productive and respected players over recent seasons. The timing after the NFL roster cutdown deadline and absence from preseason games raises questions about scheme fit and roster evaluation. The team opted to absorb $4.32 million in guaranteed salary rather than attempt a trade or retain him. Peppers signed a three-year, $24 million extension last July and was acquitted of assault and battery charges from the prior year. Kyle Dugger's demotion and failed trade attempts complicate the roster picture under new coach Mike Vrabel. The decision lacks clear public explanation.
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