Veteran defensive back is preparing to continue his NFL career in Pittsburgh, as reports from NFL Network indicate that he has agreed to terms with the Steelers. This signing comes less than two weeks after the decision to release him, ending his four-year tenure. Despite his departure, he still had $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his most recent contract, highlighting the team’s willingness to move on from a seasoned contributor in favor of younger options.
Jabrill Peppers’ football journey has been one marked by versatility and resilience. Born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey, he rose to prominence in the state’s high school football scene, first at Don Bosco Prep before transferring to Paramus Catholic, where he established himself as one of the top recruits in the nation. His reputation as a dynamic two-way player earned him national recognition and paved the way for his collegiate career at the University of Michigan. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Peppers became one of the Wolverines’ most impactful and versatile defenders, playing multiple roles in the secondary, linebacker spots, and even special teams. After three standout seasons in Ann Arbor, he declared early for the NFL Draft.
In 2017, the Cleveland Browns selected Peppers with the 25th overall pick in the first round, making him part of a franchise then in the midst of a rebuilding phase. He spent his first two professional seasons in Cleveland, where he showcased flashes of the athleticism and physicality that made him a first-round talent, though he was also part of a Browns roster that was struggling to climb out of years of mediocrity.
Peppers’ career trajectory shifted in March 2019 when he was included in one of the most high-profile trades of the decade. He was sent to the New York Giants as part of the blockbuster deal that shipped All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to Cleveland. For the Giants, Peppers was expected to help stabilize a defense in transition, and over three seasons in New York, he became a reliable starter and locker room leader. His time there, however, was also marred by injuries that occasionally limited his availability.
In 2022, Peppers signed with the New England Patriots, a move that allowed him to reunite with head coach Bill Belichick, who had long valued versatile defensive players. Over four years with the Patriots, Peppers contributed steadily as both a safety and special teams presence, reinforcing his reputation as a physical tackler and capable playmaker. Still, with New England shifting into a new era and restructuring its roster, the decision was made to part ways with the veteran this summer.
Now entering his ninth NFL season, Peppers joins a Steelers organization historically renowned for its defensive identity, from the Steel Curtain of the 1970s to more recent leaders like Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. While Peppers may not carry the same star profile, his addition gives Pittsburgh another experienced voice in the secondary and a versatile option who can contribute immediately.
Across his career to date, Peppers has compiled 511 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, seven fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. These numbers reflect both his durability and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, traits that could prove valuable as the Steelers look to remain competitive in a fiercely contested AFC North.