New England Patriots’ Jabrill Peppers: Leadership, Matthew Slater’s New Role

As the New England Patriots begin a new chapter in their storied history, safety Jabrill Peppers is confident in Pats’ leadership.

FOXBORO — As the New England Patriots embark upon a “new era” in the upcoming NFL season, safety Jabrill Peppers is confident that the team is well-suited to move forward under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, as well as an astute, veteran roster. 

In fact, the mere mention of New England’s potential drew a significant smile from the 28-year-old as he spoke with reporters on the second day of phase 1 offseason workouts at Gillette Stadium. 

"I feel like our locker room is a pretty good locker room … Leadership, from the top to the bottom,” Peppers said on Tuesday. “Change can be good, Jerod is a guy who knows not only what it takes to get there, but to stay there. He knows how to motivate you and get the best out of you.”

While Peppers’ enthusiasm regarding Mayo echoes that of multiple teammates, the former Michigan Wolverine also took an extended moment to acknowledge the impact of former coach Bill Belichick both on himself and the organization — with the legendary coach helping to lay the foundation on which the next generation of Patriots will build back to respectability. 

“I'm thankful for Bill. That's a guy I'll always have a lot of admiration and respect for,” Peppers said. “What he did worked. It was a dynasty here for a long time. 

“At the end of the day it's a business, but I don’t think he’s [Belichick] done yet,” he added. 

Nov 5, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5)

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Peppers is entering 2024 on the heels of his most productive season as a Patriot. At safety, both he and Kyle Dugger formed one of the top defensive backfield tandems in the NFL, routinely leading the team in snaps taken on defense. Peppers put up Pro Bowl-worthy numbers, finishing the year with 78 total tackles, eight passes-defensed, one sack and one interception — as well as a forced fumble and a recovery. Dugger led all defensive backs with 109 total tackles, while also compiling seven passes-defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. With Dugger having officially signed a four-year contract to remain in New England, Peppers is understandably delighted to have his teammate back in the Foxboro fold for the foreseeable future. 

"Much deserved,” Peppers said of Dugger’s deal. “I think he's one of the best, if not the best, safety in the league. A true on-field leader. I’m happy he's back."

In addition to praising the leadership of both Mayo and Dugger, Peppers also appeared to reveal that longtime team captain Matthew Slater may be lending his wisdom and counsel to the current iteration of Patriots this season, after all. Slater, who announced his retirement from the NFL in February, was surprisingly spotted while greeting and glad-handing his former teammates as they arrived for voluntary workouts on Monday. According to Peppers, Slater may actually be back in Foxboro this week in a somewhat official capacity.  

“It said ‘advisor,’ or whatever that means,” Peppers recalled of seeing Slater’s name on a recent team communication. “As long as I get to bounce some knowledge off of him, see him around the locker room. Having Slate there, he uplifts the spirits. Always knew what to say. I’m definitely happy we kept him in the building.”

Though Patriots fans and media alike may be a bit wide-eyed when it comes to Slater’s new role, Peppers was not shocked to see his ex-colleague still contributing to the game and organization he loves.

“I didn’t think he was done anyway,” Peppers said with a grin. “I think this is his way to kind of stay engaged, but take the load off of his body, get some more time with the family but also still be a part of the organization doing the thing he loves to do.”

Sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same — especially when it comes to Patriots leadership.