Logo

Packers Give Patriots Safety Star a Second Chance - The Pain Behind His Exit Comes to Light

— It wasn’t supposed to end like this. Jabrill Peppers—once the heartbeat of New England’s secondary, a captain, the safety who picked off Josh Allen in that 29–25 win in 2023—was let go on August 29, 2025. No farewell, no ovation—just a cold transaction sheet.

Now, only days before the season kicks off on September 7, whispers ripple across the league: Peppers could be bound for Green Bay. Not just for a contract, but for the story behind him.

According to league chatter, the Packers are exploring a one-year, incentive-laden deal that would give their defense an experienced, high-motor safety without heavy cap strain. For Green Bay it’s low risk with real upside. For Peppers it’s something else entirely—a lifeline after weeks that shook his life off the field.

“I was in shock. No goodbye, no applause—just a cold transaction sheet from the Patriots. I didn’t know how to keep going. Rumors and false allegations were thrown at me—though I was later cleared—but everything was shaken, and it affected me and my family. The Packers reached out and saved me. I’m ready to bleed and sweat for Green Bay. I swear I’ll put on the Green & Gold and bring relentless energy.”

A move to Titletown makes football sense. In Jeff Hafley’s structure, a versatile safety who can play in the box, handle run fits, buzz to the hook/curl and contribute on special teams is a need, not a luxury. Peppers’ profile—explosive pursuit, physical tackling, and emotional edge—maps neatly to those roles while giving the locker room a veteran voice that refuses to flinch.

The potential fit is as cultural as it is tactical. Green Bay’s young secondary can benefit from a tone-setter who plays with urgency and accountability. An incentive-heavy structure rewards immediate impact without mortgaging the future, and Peppers’ energy can raise the baseline on early downs while adding a dime-backer option in sub-packages.

This story is bigger than depth charts and clauses. It’s about an athlete confronting the coldest side of the business and finding a door still open. If pen meets paper, the Packers won’t just be adding a safety; they’ll be betting on resilience—and on the power of the Green & Gold to turn hurt into fuel.

 
 

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722