Steelers Add Veteran Safety Jabrill Peppers

Shortly after the Steelers lost safety DeShon Elliott to a knee injury in Week One, the team swiftly turned to free agency in search of a potential remedy. To bolster their depleted secondary, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Jabrill Peppers, aiming to reinforce their safety room and stabilize the back end of their defense. This move was critical, given Peppers’ experience, which will hopefully help fill the gap while Elliott is out.

Peppers’ versatility and experience suggest he could become a key contributor on defense—one that stays effective even when Elliott returns. His release from the New England Patriots came as a genuine shock to many, as all signs pointed to fellow safety Kyle Duggar being the one to get the boot. The Michigan product had played a significant role throughout Patriots training camp and preseason, frequently lining up as the top safety under head coach Mike Vrabel’s aggressive new defensive system.

Throughout his eight-year NFL career, Peppers has demonstrated exceptional positional flexibility. He has operated as a box safety, free safety, wide cornerback, slot cornerback, and even as a hybrid linebacker. Remarkably, he has also taken some snaps on the defensive line, showcasing his adaptability and football IQ. Over that span, Peppers has accumulated an impressive stat line: 511 total tackles, 35 pass deflections, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks. Beyond defense, Peppers brings valuable special teams experience, having amassed 1,468 return yards during stints with the Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

With this wealth of versatility and experience, Peppers presents the Steelers with a multifaceted defensive weapon who can fill various roles and potentially revitalize a secondary suddenly in flux. As Elliott recovers, the addition of Peppers could prove pivotal in shoring up Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield for the remainder of the season.