The 2025 NFL season is almost here, and the Detroit Lions are ready to defend their division crown. The NFC North is shaping up to be another competitive battle this year, with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears all looking to dethrone head coach Dan Campbell's squad as the Kings of the North.
The Lions' rivals are desperate to do so, which is why the Packers acquired superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. As much as it might pain some Detroit fans to admit it, Green Bay now has one of the NFL's best defenders, and all it cost the Pack was a pair of first-round picks and the regressing Kenny Clark.
Understandably, much of the NFC North spotlight is being shone on the Packers following the blockbuster trade. Lions fans aren't happy about it, but the attention won't last forever — especially if general manager Brad Holmes steals the spotlight back by signing a standout defender who was just released.
Patriots are releasing veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, per source. Peppers still has $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract for this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 29, 2025
Peppers has started 85 games, including 26 with New England, and has totaled over 500 tackles, seven interceptions, six forced… pic.twitter.com/0D8xc5vzH7
Lions Must Sign S Jabrill Peppers After Surprise Patriots Release
The New England Patriots pulled off a shocking move on Friday, releasing veteran safety Jabrill Peppers from his contract, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The former 2017 first-rounder had spent the last three seasons with the Patriots, and "still has $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract" before the release.
Talented defensive backs don't always hit the open market right before a new season, and the Lions can't afford to let this opportunity pass them by. Not only would it be a way to steal some attention back from the Packers, but it'd also help the team address a position of need.
It isn't a secret that the Lions' secondary is banged up at the moment. Safety Dan Jackson was placed on the injured reserve earlier this month with a leg injury, while cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is out for the entire season after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in camp. CB Terrion Arnold has also dealt with a hamstring injury this summer, leaving time to tell if it'll be an issue once the regular season begins.
Throw in the fact that defensive backs Carlton Davis, Kindle Vidor, and Ifeatu Melifonwu all left the Motor City this offseason, and it's easy to see why the Lions need Peppers.
Since joining the league, Peppers has played 99 games (85 starts) for the Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants. The East Orange, NJ native has amassed 331 solo tackles, 35 broken-up passes, seven interceptions (including a Pick-6), six forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks along the way, and even recorded a 75.0-plus Pro Football Focus defense grade in each of the last three seasons.
And if that doesn't convince the Lions enough, let's not forget Peppers is also a former Michigan Wolverine star. His accolade-filled run in Ann Arbor made him one of the best defenders in program history, proven by his being named the 2016 Big Ten Defensive Player, Linebacker, and Return Specialist of the Year.
Peppers will likely be a hot commodity after his release, so Detroit can't afford to waste time. Adding him would send a message to the Packers and the rest of the NFL that the Lions are serious about competing for the Lombardi Trophy this season.