Shilo Sanders is still waiting for an opportunity, but no club has shown real interest in signing him. Despite having a vacancy, the Steelers opted for a different—and likely more reliable—option.

On Tuesday, Pittsburgh announced the signing of Jabrill Peppers. The seasoned safety is expected to strengthen the defense and help the team compete for the AFC North title this year.

Steelers’ Mike Tomlin signs Jabrill Peppers, snubs Shilo Sanders

The Steelers already boast one of the most solid defenses in the NFL, and now it looks even stronger. By signing Jabrill Peppers, Pittsburgh adds a veteran presence with valuable experience.

Although Shilo Sanders is a younger alternative, Tomlin preferred the security of an experienced safety. Sanders had been loosely linked to Pittsburgh after the Buccaneers released him, but the team ultimately chose Peppers instead.

Peppers, a 29-year-old safety, has experienced a roller-coaster year. Earlier in 2025, he signed a 3-year, $24 million extension with the Patriots, but he was surprisingly released on August 29.

According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Peppers and the Steelers have already agreed to a deal, though the terms have yet to be disclosed.

Why did the Steelers sign Jabrill Peppers?

The decision was influenced by injuries. Safety DeShon Elliott is expected to miss a few weeks with an MCL sprain. While the injury isn’t considered serious, Pittsburgh needed to add depth at the position.

The Steelers hope Elliott will return by Week 4 when they travel to Ireland to face the Vikings. If he’s not ready, Peppers provides a dependable option to cover his absence.

The Patriots have experienced significant changes in recent years. First came Tom Brady’s departure in 2020, which shocked fans worldwide, and now the exit of Bill Belichick has marked the official end of one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.

With Belichick’s departure this year, the Patriots appointed Jerod Mayo as their new head coach. Though his tenure has been challenging, the team remains optimistic that he can steer them back to success in the near future.

Patriots recover a key defensive player to face the Colts

Jerod Mayo began his head coaching career this year. The former linebacker enjoyed a distinguished playing tenure with the Patriots, where he was part of a dominant defense that secured victory in Super Bowl XLIX.

Known as a defensive-minded coach, much like his predecessor Bill Belichick, Mayo is focused on building a solid defense as the foundation of his strategy. He has drawn heavily from his years of learning under the legendary head coach.

Currently, the Patriots rank as the sixth worst defense in points allowed in the AFC—a statistic that is far from ideal for Mayo’s defensive philosophy. However, the return of a key player could significantly improve their performance.

The Patriots announced that safety Jabrill Peppers has been removed from the Commissioner Exempt List. Peppers, a crucial defensive asset, had been sidelined since his arrest on October 5 for charges of assault and drug possession. Although he remains under investigation, he is now eligible to play for New England.

“The league has removed Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner’s exempt list. After missing the past seven games, he will now return to the active roster,” the Patriots said in a statement. “We understand that the league’s investigation into the matter will continue, as will the legal process. We will await the outcome of both before making any further comment.”

Can Jabrill Peppers be suspended again?

Peppers’ legal troubles remain unresolved. The safety faces allegations of choking an intimate partner multiple times, pushing her down stairs, striking her, and forcibly removing her clothing. Police filed charges of assault, battery, and possession of illegal drugs.

At a hearing on October 7, Peppers pleaded not guilty and was released on $2,500 bail. The NFL retains the authority to impose further suspensions depending on the outcome of his trial, which is scheduled for January 22.

Jabrill Peppers appeared in Quincy District Court on Monday for his arraignment, where he faces charges stemming from assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a Class “B” substance, which has not been confirmed but could be cocaine.

The Braintree police were called in early Saturday to a domestic disturbance. A report indicates that Peppers pushed his girlfriend to the ground, shoved her head into a wall, and put his hands around her neck to strangle her.

More on New England Patriots’ Jabrill Peppers Arrest

According to CNN, Peppers was arrested and then paid a $2,500 bail. He will now have a court case scheduled for November 22nd. Peppers has already contracted his lawyer, Marc Brofsky, to defend him in the case.

The woman involved in the incident was treated for injuries to her face and knees at the scene. She stated to the police, “My boyfriend put his hand on my neck and smashed my head against the wall, then he pushed me down the stairs.”

The Patriots released a statement upon news of the arrest: “We are aware of an incident involving Jabrill Peppers over the weekend in which the police are currently investigating. We will have no further comment at this time.”