NFL teams rarely release a projected starter less than a week before the season. But the New England Patriots are doing exactly that, adding to the league's ongoing chaos this week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Patriots are releasing veteran safety Jabrill Peppers , who still has $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract for this season. In three years with New England, Peppers started 26 games and recorded 178 tackles.

The Patriots' first unofficial depth chart indicated Peppers would be starting alongside safety Kyle Dugger. But with new head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, it seems that Peppers is no longer a fit in New England's defense.

Overall, in his eight years in the NFL, Peppers has over 500 tackles, seven intercept

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