BOSTON — The Patriots reached terms with former Giants safety Jabrill Peppers on a 1-year contract Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
Peppers was limited to six game appearances last year due to a torn ACL, but will reportedly be ready for training camp. He posted 29 tackles, one pass breakup and a sack last season. The 26-year-old projects as a backup safety and potential returner in New England.
Over three years in New York, Peppers primarily played in the box and covered the slot. He was also named a team captain and is a reputed favorite of former Giants head coach and current Pats assistant Joe Judge. Prior to playing in New York, Peppers started his career as a free safety in Cleveland.
The Browns, who took him in the first round of the 2017 draft, traded Peppers after two seasons. He started all 29 games for Cleveland, which won just seven total games in those years. Peppers ranked among the Browns’ leading tacklers, but fumbled seven times as a returner and only nabbed two interceptions.
The Michigan product joins Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Dugger, Myles Bryant, Joshuah Bledsoe and core special teamer Cody Davis at safety.
Last week, the Patriots lost starting punt returner Gunner Olszewski to a free-agent deal with Pittsburgh. In New York, Peppers averaged 10.5 yards per punt return and 23 yards per kick return.
ESPN first reported the Patriots and Peppers had agreed to terms.
