New Steelers Safety Jabrill Peppers Explained How His Dream Came True

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had quite a few concerns at the safety position in 2025. Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded after mandatory minicamp, and a pair of veterans were signed to help fill his shoes -- as well as having newly acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey take some reps at safety too. The depth at the position only got worse when DeShon Elliott suffered a knee injury in Week 1. However, one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity, as free agent Jabrill Peppers got a chance to join another roster and prove that he can still contribute. 

As Chris Adamski of TribLive mentioned, Peppers got to check off a bucket list item that was very high up there for him with how everything has unfolded recently.

"I’m happy [Mike] Tomlin made the call," Peppers said. "He was a coach I definitely said I wanted to play for before I retired. It just happened a lot sooner than I thought. I’m happy to be here."

Numerous players have detailed their desire to play for Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and Peppers was no different. Instead of waiting until his projected last year of his career to sign and retire in Pittsburgh, the veteran safety got the chance to join the team now and see what the hype is all about. It may take a while for him to get going on defense, but he will definitely have a role here. 

Adamski also mentioned that Peppers and Tomlin developed a relationship during the pre-draft process in 2017. That is likely where Peppers' respect for the veteran leader originally came from, even though he got drafted by the division rival Cleveland Browns.

"Separately and on consecutive days this week, Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin and veteran NFL safety Jabrill Peppers acknowledged they had eyes for each other during the lead-up to the 2017 draft," Adamski noted. "It never will be known with certainty if the Steelers would have selected Peppers with the No. 30 overall pick they held that season because the rival Cleveland Browns selected Peppers five picks prior."

It did not take long for the Browns to trade Peppers away as part of the package for Odell Beckham Jr.. Despite not facing off against the Steelers often in his career, the safety is still entranced with what Tomlin can do. Now, he will get to experience it first-hand. Tomlin usually gets his draft targets, even if it's not initially in the draft itself.

Steelers' Roles For Peppers

Due to him being brand new on the team, Peppers will likely be initially included in a phase of the game that Tomlin loves to prioritize: special teams. Once he gets more familiar with the system, he will get to experience Tomlin's defensive game-planning, schematics, and play-calling. That area has caused some mixed feelings in the locker room with veteran players. 

Once Peppers is inserted into the defense, he will definitely have plenty of opportunities to prove himself. He is a very versatile player, and that is exactly what Tomlin loves in a defensive back. With the sheer amount of newly acquired veterans on the back end, there will likely be a lot of rotation as time goes on. Peppers' versatility will help keep him on the field longer as guys are subbing in and out.

Up until the Week 5 bye week, it will not be surprising to see Peppers primarily chasing down return men and only seeing a handful of snaps on defense. If he sticks around after Elliott heals up, however, he could force himself into more defensive snaps. In-season competitions happen sometimes, and the brand new player will be looking to overtake the other first-year Steelers on the depth chart as time goes on.

What do you think about Peppers' excitement about playing with Tomlin, as well as the relationship they built before the draft and his potential role with the team? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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