With the 2025 NFL campaign right around the corner, the Detroit Lions are gearing up to defend their division title. The NFC North is expected to be a fierce fight once again, as the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears are all determined to unseat Dan Campbell’s group from the top spot.

The Packers, in particular, made waves by swinging a blockbuster deal for Micah Parsons, landing the star pass rusher from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for two first-rounders and veteran defensive lineman Kenny Clark. The move instantly shifted media buzz toward Green Bay, as they added one of the league’s most feared defenders.

Still, the Lions have a chance to redirect attention their way. General manager Brad Holmes could strike back by pursuing a newly available playmaker who just hit free agency.

Why Detroit Should Pounce on Jabrill Peppers

In a surprise decision, the New England Patriots parted ways with safety Jabrill Peppers, per NFL insider Adam Schefter. The 2017 first-round selection was cut despite still having over $4 million guaranteed on his contract. After three productive years in New England, Peppers is suddenly on the market — and Detroit looks like the perfect landing spot.

Opportunities to sign proven defensive backs rarely pop up so close to opening week, and the Lions’ secondary has been ravaged by injuries. Safety Dan Jackson landed on injured reserve earlier this month, rookie corner Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is out for the year following shoulder surgery, and first-round pick Terrion Arnold has been slowed by a nagging hamstring issue. Adding to the problem, veterans Carlton Davis, Kindle Vildor, and Ifeatu Melifonwu all departed in the offseason.

Given that landscape, Peppers would fill an immediate hole while also sending a statement across the league.

A Proven Playmaker With Michigan Roots

Since entering the NFL, Peppers has appeared in 99 games (85 starts) with the Patriots, Browns, and Giants. Over that span, he’s piled up 331 solo tackles, 35 pass breakups, seven interceptions with one returned for a touchdown, six forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks. On top of that, he’s consistently graded out well, earning a 75.0+ defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in each of the past three seasons.

And for Detroit fans, there’s another layer of appeal: Peppers is a Michigan Wolverine legend. In 2016, he was honored as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Linebacker of the Year, and Return Specialist of the Year, cementing himself as one of the top defensive players in school history.

Time for the Lions to Make Their Move

Peppers won’t stay unsigned for long. If the Lions want to reinforce their defense and steal back the NFC North spotlight from Green Bay, they need to act quickly. Bringing the veteran safety to Detroit would not only patch a glaring need but also show the rest of the league that the Lions are fully intent on making a serious Super Bowl run.