The Pittsburgh Steelers have wasted no time making a decisive roster move. In a quick turnaround, the franchise reached a verbal agreement with a proven veteran safety, pending medical evaluation, to bolster their secondary.
This signing comes just one day after New England unexpectedly released one of its starting defenders, shocking many across the league. The move left a highly productive player suddenly available on the open market.
Pittsburgh, already searching for added depth on the back end, jumped at the opportunity. With championship ambitions and a defense built on physicality, general manager Omar Khan identified a chance to strengthen Mike Tomlin’s roster.
That player is Jabrill Peppers, the versatile safety with more than 500 career tackles, seven interceptions, and six forced fumbles since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017. His production and pedigree are undeniable.
Peppers brings rare versatility. Throughout his career, he’s thrived both as a box defender against the run and as a deep coverage option capable of matching tight ends and receivers downfield. His blitzing ability adds even more value.
At 29, he also arrives with leadership credentials. Serving as a captain in New England last season, Peppers earned praise for his energy, toughness, and voice in the locker room — qualities Pittsburgh covets in its culture.
For the Steelers, the addition could reshape their safety rotation. With Minkah Fitzpatrick as the established star and injuries thinning depth, Peppers gives the team a proven veteran at a bargain price, as New England absorbs guaranteed money.
While final details remain pending, one thing is clear: the Steelers didn’t just fill a roster spot. They may have landed a difference-maker capable of swinging close AFC battles and fueling another deep postseason run.
Kansas City, MO – September 6, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs returned from Brazil with more than just a tough 27-21 loss to the Chargers. They also carried home new concerns, most notably the health of second-year wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
Worthy exited the first quarter after a mid-play collision with Travis Kelce left him clutching his shoulder. Initially ruled questionable before being downgraded to out, his absence disrupted a receiving corps already stretched thin without suspended star Rashee Rice.
On Saturday, team sources confirmed MRI results showed a mild AC joint sprain. While not season-threatening, Worthy is expected to miss one to two games. His durability had been a bright spot until this first significant setback.
Head coach Andy Reid labeled the update “encouraging,” noting the injury was far less severe than initially feared. “We’ll be smart with him, but it’s nothing long-term. The medical staff believes he’ll be back soon,” Reid told reporters.
Travis Kelce killed Xavier Worthy pic.twitter.com/BmuBNeTVWY
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 6, 2025
Other players also endured scares in São Paulo. Linebackers Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton, along with rookie Ashton Gillotte, all dealt with minor issues but finished the contest. Reid said each should be ready when Week 2 preparations begin.
Patrick Mahomes acknowledged Worthy’s absence forced adjustments. “Other guys had to step up,” Mahomes said. “Tyquan Thornton, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster did a great job filling those roles, but you could tell it slowed us down early.”
The Chiefs fought valiantly despite the injuries. Mahomes powered in a rushing touchdown, then connected with Kelce for a 37-yard score. Yet the Chargers’ late surge proved decisive, sending Kansas City home at 0-1.
With a looming Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Eagles next week, Kansas City hopes Worthy’s timeline proves accurate. Even a short-term absence magnifies pressure on a wideout group still searching for reliability behind its quarterback.
