After being a surprise cut by the New England Patriots this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed safety Jabrill Peppers.
Peppers was signed after Jordan Schultz reported that free safety DeShon Elliott would miss a couple of weeks because of an MCL sprain. The goal is for Elliott to be back in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Who is Jabrill Peppers?
In 2017, the Cleveland Browns selected Peppers out of Michigan with the 25th overall pick. In his two years with the Browns, he totaled 136 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass deflections, one sack, and two fumble recoveries. It was the first time Peppers showed he could make an impact on the game.
Entering the 2019 season, Peppers was traded to the New York Giants in the deal that sent Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland. After he arrived in New York, he showed growth throughout his three years as a Giant. As an East Orange, New Jersey, native, it was a homecoming for Peppers.
During his tenure with the Giants, he recorded 196 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, 17 pass deflections, and one touchdown. His pick-six came against Washington in Week 4 of the 2019 season.
In 2022, Peppers signed with the New England Patriots. Although he only played two years under Bill Belichick, he had his best season with the team. In 2023, Peppers posted 78 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass deflections, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
In a recent post on social media, Peppers noted he has played for seven head coaches and six defensive coordinators. Even with coaching instability, he remains confident he can fit into any system and thrive.
What Peppers Provides For Pittsburgh
In the absence of Elliott, Peppers will look to provide quality snaps for a safety group aiming to improve heading into Week 2.
During his usual Tuesday press conference, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin called Peppers “a football player.” Throughout his career, Peppers’ physical style and ability to adapt to different systems have set him apart.
A prime example of his physicality came when he leveled Davante Adams, popping the ball into the air and allowing Jahlani Tavai to secure a turnover for the Patriots. The play showcased his ability to deliver a big hit.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1713654845935358172
Not only does Peppers play with physicality, but he also brings high energy. The combination of speed and toughness is what put him on the Steelers’ radar.
An underrated aspect of his game is his ability to return kicks. In Cleveland and New York, he handled return duties for five seasons. In New England, he returned kicks only in 2023.
Versatility and physical play should make Peppers a fun addition to this year’s Steelers defense.
When Elliott returns, it will be interesting to see how the secondary functions. For Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, it could open the door to match defensive back Jalen Ramsey against opposing No. 1 receivers.
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