Patriots release veteran safety Jabrill Peppers a week before their season opener with Carolina, narrowing New England’s backend safety depth behind Jaylinn Hawkins. Peppers, who signed a three-year, $24 million extension in 2024, battled off-field issues and injuries last year and was a starter in 2023. Hawkins now has a clear path to start, while NE will lean on other players to fill the timing and coverage gaps, influencing Week 1 fantasy lineups.