While unexpected, the New Englands Patriots ' decision to release veteran safety Jabrill Peppers isn't all that surprising.

When considering the organization's moves over the past two offseasons, it neatly fits with the Patriots' overall youth movement.

On Friday, the Patriots waived Peppers, who turns 30 on Oct. 4, three days after settling on their initial 53-man roster. As ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss noted on social media, the move opens up more playing time for rookie fourth-round safety Craig Woodson , 24.

Patriots could be set to start Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson, with Kyle Dugger and Dell Pettus also in the safety mix. https://t.co/Wj5N6EQaPv — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 29, 2025

If so, he'll join several young players with prominent roles for N

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