New Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has been busy tinkering with the roster in recent weeks. Players on the roster who joined the team just since the start of training camp include LB Jamal Adams, DT Thomas Booker IV, WR Amari Cooper, QB Kenny Pickett, ED Brennan Jackson, T Stone Forsythe, and S Tristin McCollum.
Carroll has made no bones about adding any player who may prove to be an upgrade, fill a glaring need, or just infuse more competition to the roster.
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With the most recent addition of Tristin McCollum off waivers from the Eagles, it was a signal they are not settled at that position. But, did they pull the trigger too soon? Did a better option just become available? That may be the case. And if so, why not go for it?
The New England Patriots just released safety Jabrill Peppers. The former first round pick appeared in 38 games and started 26 over the past three seasons in New England. The 29-year-old was lost midway through last season to injury, but the season before he put up 78 tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass breakups.
That was a pretty good year, but it wasn’t his career best. That came in 2020 when he had 91 tackles, eight for a loss, and 11 pass breakups – all career bests. His defensive coordinator that year was none other than Raiders current DC Patrick Graham.
That familiarity could speed up Peppers’ transition, which could mean he would be ready to go fairly quickly.
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Instant returns are what the Raiders would need from Peppers. The Raiders are without Lonnie Johnson Jr who was to step in at safety while Jeremy Chinn lined up at nickel corner. And Johnson is expected to miss the first month of the season. Peppers would not only give the team a viable starting option right now, but be solid depth and competition once Johnson returns.
As of right now, the Raiders have Jamal Adams who, if need be, can pull double duty at linebacker and box safety. Adams addition in and of itself is proof that having players at that position isn’t reason to ignore adding more talent.
The Raiders already had a solid trio of linebackers in Elandon Roberts, Devin White, and Germaine Pratt. And yet still brought in Adams to play the position. He showed up big time in preseason and may just end up being a depth piece and situational player.
In the end, it comes down to the question of whether the Raiders would be better with him or without him. He shouldn’t be expensive and would range from instant starter to valuable depth right away.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Patriots release S Jabrill Peppers: Might he make sense for Raiders?