Peppers still has $4.32 million in guaranteed money left on his contract for the year. The veteran has the fourth-highest PFF grade (90.1) among all safeties over the past two seasons and could be a critical pickup for teams that need to improve their secondary.
Peppers was known for his tenacity and hard-hitting nature as a strong safety, developing into one of the best in the league.
Peppers was originally dealt to the Patriots in a trade with the New York Giants, where he spent the previous three years (2019-2021). The 29-year-old was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, where he spent two seasons before being traded to the Giants.
After a relatively average year in 2022 with the Pats, Peppers thrived in 2023, racking up 78 tackles (third most in his career) with eight pass deflections, two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Unfortunately, Peppers' 2024 season was cut short due to shoulder and hamstring injuries. He played in only six games, posting 40 tackles and one interception in a year that followed him signing a three-year, $30 million extension.
Peppers is heading into his ninth season and is now free to sign with any team.