When the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel, there were no doubts that he had a lot of work to do. The roster he inherited had numerous flaws, and it was inevitable that many players who were around during the 2023 and 2024 seasons wouldn't make the 53-man roster in 2025.
That included veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, who was cut shortly after the final 53-man roster was finalized. The release of wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was understandable, as the Patriots had too many bodies in their wide receiver room and someone ultimately had to go, but one of the pillars of their secondary being cut came as somewhat of a shock.