Instant analysis of Patriots signing safety Jabrill Peppers

Here’s why the Patriots wanted Jabrill Peppers — and why Peppers picked the Patriots.

The New England Patriots have added a versatile player in Jabrill Peppers who could contribute in so many ways in 2022. Throwing it all the way back to his days with the Michigan Wolvers, Peppers played 11 positions between offense, defense and special teams. He was in the mix to win the Heisman Trophy in 2016. In the NFL, Peppers has been a similarly multiple contributor, whether as a returner on special teams or a three-down safety.

That’s what makes the addition of Peppers fascinating. He’s an impressive player who does many of the same things that New England’s safeties — especially Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger — already do. But the Patriots will likely find a way to make use of him in one way or another.