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Steelers Reach Agreement With Former Patriots Star Safety With 500+ Tackles and 7 Career INTs👇

September 9, 2025 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers wasted little time making a significant roster addition. Just one day after the New England Patriots unexpectedly released one of their starting defenders, Pittsburgh has reached a verbal agreement with veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, pending a medical evaluation.

The move shocked many around the league, as Peppers had been one of New England’s most productive players in recent years. His sudden availability gave the Steelers, who had been looking to add depth in the secondary, the perfect opportunity to pounce.

General manager Omar Khan acted quickly, recognizing that a player of Peppers’ caliber could strengthen a defense already built on toughness and physicality. Head coach Mike Tomlin now has another versatile weapon at his disposal.
Steelers sign safety Jabrill Peppers to bolster secondary - Sportsnet.ca

Peppers, 29, brings an impressive rĂŠsumĂŠ. Since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017, he has logged over 500 tackles, seven interceptions, and six forced fumbles. His ability to defend both the run and the pass, as well as contribute as a blitzer, gives him rare flexibility in any defensive scheme.

Beyond production, Peppers offers leadership. He served as a team captain for the Patriots last season and was praised for his energy, toughness, and presence in the locker room — qualities the Steelers highly value within their culture.

In Pittsburgh, he’s expected to reshape the safety rotation. With Minkah Fitzpatrick already established as a star and injuries thinning depth, Peppers arrives as a proven veteran who can immediately step in and contribute.

Financially, the deal is also favorable. With New England still on the hook for guaranteed money, the Steelers are getting a high-impact player at a bargain cost.

While the signing won’t be official until after medical checks, the Steelers appear to have done more than just fill a roster spot. They may have secured a difference-maker who could tilt tight AFC matchups and help fuel another postseason run.

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Roster Move: Right after the injury of DT Milton Williams, the Patriots immediately signed the former Chiefs star to the practice squad to strengthen the defensive depth ahead of the showdown with the Bengals
Foxborough, Massachusetts – November 19, 2025 Immediately after the news that defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered a long-term injury and will be sidelined, the New England Patriots made an urgent roster move to reinforce their defensive line. The team officially announced the signing of former Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Fabien Lovett Sr. to the practice squad. This decision comes just days before the Patriots begin their preparation week for a massive showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for its powerful interior offensive attack. Lovett is a familiar name to scouts after his college career at Mississippi State and Florida State before joining the Chiefs in 2024. He brings an impressive frame, excellent run-stopping ability, and standout hand strength. Although he has not yet had many opportunities to play in the NFL, Patriots evaluators believe Lovett can become a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive system if properly developed. The addition of Lovett is viewed as a necessary step as the Patriots face a serious depth shortage on the interior defensive line, with Williams out and several other key players still not fully healthy. Adding depth at defensive tackle has been deemed absolutely critical ahead of facing the Bengals, who consistently attack the middle of the defense. Foxborough is therefore hopeful that Lovett will integrate quickly and become a reliable rotational option. In his first media availability, Fabien Lovett Sr. showed determination and gratitude for the opportunity the Patriots have given him: “I’m going to give everything I have every single day — every practice, every snap. I want to prove to Coach Vrabel that I deserve a spot in the Patriots ranks. This is an opportunity and I’m not going to waste it.” The straightforward statement left a strong impression on reporters at Gillette. Despite currently being only a practice-squad signing, Lovett is projected to have a fast track to the active roster if he performs well. The current situation is forcing the Patriots to stay flexible and ready to give chances to players with the right attitude. With clear determination and motivation, Lovett is expected to become a surprise contributor that helps the New England defense stand firm against the major challenge named the Cincinnati Bengals.