The New England Patriots locked up another core playmaker.
The Pats and safety Jabrill Peppers are finalizing a three-year $24 million extension worth up to $30 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday, per a source informed of the pact.
ESPN first reported the deal.
First-year coach Jerod Mayo confirmed the extension on Friday, praising Pepper's leadership and play.
"Yeah, I can confirm it. I'm the head coach -- I can confirm it!" Mayo told reporters. "I will say this, I will say this, I'll confirm it. I am very happy for Peppers and for his family and also for our team and the organization. He really embodies everything that we want on the field. He's very selfless, he's out there flying around all the time, and it's good to get that deal done."
Peppers is coming off his best season, snagging two interceptions, eight passes defended, one forced fumble, a sack and 78 total tackles. The safety stabilized the back end of a secondary in flux last season. His ability to play in the box, deep, and even take snaps in the slot or wide provide flexibility.
A former first-round pick by Cleveland in 2017, Peppers was part of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade with the New York Giants in 2019. After three seasons with Big Blue, Peppers inked a one-year deal with New England in 2022. He re-upped on a two-year pact last offseason. Now, the Pats are locking the former Michigan Wolverine down long-term.
Peppers is the latest in-house talent the Pats have re-signed or locked up this offseason, joining running back Rhamondre Stevenson, offensive tackle Mike Onwenu, center David Andrews, tight end Hunter Henry, receiver Kendrick Bourne, safety Kyle Dugger, linebacker Jahlani Tavai, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, edge Josh Uche and linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
The question is whether pass rusher Matthew Judon is next.
