Patriots lock up another key part of defense with Jabrill Peppers extension

The Patriots have locked up another key part of their defense, agreeing to an extension with safety Jabrill Peppers on Friday.

ESPN’s Field Yates was the first to report the news , adding that it’s a three-year deal with a base value of $24 million that could be worth up to $30 million.

New England head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed that the two sides had agreed to an extension when he met with the media a short time later.

“I can confirm it,” Mayo said. “I will say this: I am very happy for Peppers and for his family and also for our team and our organization. He really embodies everything that we want on the field. He’s very selfless. He’s out there flying around all the time. It’s good to get that deal done.”

Peppers, 28, is entering his third season with the Patriots after emerging as one of the team’s top defensive players in 2023, when he started 15 games and recorded 78 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, eight passes defended, and five tackles for loss.

Peppers joins the likes of Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Kyle Dugger, Christian Barmore and Jahlani Tavai as Patriots defenders to get rewarded with new contracts this offseason.

Of course, the two defenders who have drawn the most attention contract-wise – Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux – remain without new contracts. Both are entering the final year of their current deals and have made it known that they’re looking for a raise.

Judon has been practicing and told reporters earlier this week that he will play on his current contract if it comes to that even though he’s not thrilled about it. Mayo on Friday took exception to a reporter calling Judon “disgruntled,” saying that Judon’s attitude at practice and in meetings has been “great.”

Godchaux was on the field Thursday but did not actually practice, sparking speculation that he may be “holding in.” Mayo said on Friday that was not the case, however, saying that Godchaux’s lack of participation was not contract-related. Mayo said he was dealing with “a little bit of tightness.”