The New England Patriots have made a concerted effort to shake things up and add more weapons to their offense this offseason. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, tight end Mike Gesicki and running back James Robinson were the biggest moves that the team made, upgrading the skill positions around quarterback Mac Jones.

In addition, New England also beefed up the offensive line with right tackle Riley Reiff and left tackle Calvin Anderson. They could factor into the mix as part of the unit tasked with protecting Jones and opening up holes for Rhamondre Stevenson in the running game.

While so much of the focus was on the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots did make some moves defensively. One of the better under-the-radar moves that were made was re-signing safety Jabrill Peppers.

Peppers has had an up-and-down career to this point after being a first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2017. He was a dynamic athlete with plenty of highlight plays collegiately at Michigan, being used on offense and special teams as well.

Peppers was thought of highly enough that he was part of the blockbuster trade package that the Browns used to acquire Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants. Playing for his hometown team, Peppers had a breakout 2020 season. But, things derailed when he ruptured his ACL in 2021.

He was able to rehab and get on the field for the start of the 2022 season, appearing in all 17 games for the Patriots. His role increased as the season went on and he got more comfortable being back on the field and is now an integral part of the team’s defensive scheme.

Not afraid to mix things up, Peppers brings a level of physicality to the table. With Devin McCourty, who identified Peppers as a key part of the Patriots’ plans defensively moving forward, retiring this offseason, there is a large void to be filled. The Michigan product will have the first crack at it and if he can pick up right where he left off last season, New England is getting quite a steal in free agency.