Steelers Sign With Former Patriots Star Safety With 500+ Tackles and 7 Career INTs
September 9, 2025 — Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Steelers have acted swiftly to strengthen their secondary, reaching a verbal agreement with veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, pending medical clearance.
The move comes just 24 hours after the New England Patriots stunned the league by cutting one of their starting defenders. His unexpected release immediately made him one of the most appealing names on the open market — and Pittsburgh wasted no time.
General manager Omar Khan, eyeing added depth and toughness in the back end of Mike Tomlin’s defense, seized the chance to add a proven veteran with a championship mentality.
Peppers, a 2017 first-round pick, brings a résumé that speaks for itself: over 500 tackles, seven interceptions, and six forced fumbles in his NFL career. Known for his flexibility, he has excelled both near the line of scrimmage and in deep coverage, while also adding value as a blitzer.
At 29, Peppers also carries leadership qualities. Serving as a captain in New England last season, he earned praise for his energy, toughness, and presence in the locker room — attributes that align perfectly with Pittsburgh’s culture.
For the Steelers, his arrival could reshape the safety rotation. With Minkah Fitzpatrick entrenched as the star but depth thinned by injuries, Peppers provides a reliable, versatile option at a relatively low cost, as the Patriots remain responsible for part of his guaranteed salary.
The deal isn’t finalized yet, but the impact could be significant. Pittsburgh hasn’t simply added another body to the roster — they may have secured a playmaker capable of tilting the balance in close AFC showdowns.
As the Steelers chase another postseason run, Jabrill Peppers could prove to be one of the quietest but most important pickups of the 2025 season.












