Jabrill Peppers said he is happy with how his NFL career went after a slow start with the Browns.
But with his former team coming to town on Sunday, the safety of the Giants can’t escape a reminder to the 2019 blockbuster trade that took him to New York in exchange for Odell Beckham Jr.
“I was actually excited about the trade and thought, ‘We just got Odell!’ “Remembers Peppers, who said during a Zoom call that he first heard about his trade on Twitter that Friday.” And I keep looking and I’m like, ‘Oh s – t. I’m not even here anymore!’
“And then [former Browns general manager John] Dorsey called me about 15 minutes later and I had already seen the news. I really spoke [Giants GM Dave] Gettleman before I spoke to Dorsey. It is what it is, that is the nature of this competition. I can’t take it personally. But I am happy, I am happy with the result, it works for me. “
Cleveland also sent guard Kevin Zeitler and their first and third round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft to the Giants, who included defensive end Olivier Vernon in the deal alongside Beckham.
Peppers, who fielded the Browns 25th overall in 2017, was considered the most intriguing part of the package considering he was a Heisman Trophy finalist in Michigan.
The 25-year-old now comes into his own in his second season with the Giants. New Jersey native Peppers has said how much more comfortable he is to be closer to home – and it shows on the field.
“Absolutely,” said Peppers when asked if he feels like a different player now. “I am played on my strengths here. I thank the Giants for believing in me and seeing my potential, so I’m just doing my best to keep them looking good. “
In April, the Giants took the option for the fifth year of the rookie deal Peppers signed with the Browns. He is guaranteed to get $ 6.8 million in 2021 before he can become a free agent.
During his two seasons in Cleveland, Peppers combined 97 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits. He has since become one of the driving forces behind the Giants’ success on the defensive side of the ball.
With at least three games to go in 2020, Peppers already has 49 solo tackles, eight tackles for a loss and three QB hits, despite missing week 4 with an ankle injury.
Peppers said he expects a tough challenge from the Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, but he has no intention of treating the game differently from any other. The Giants probably hope he doesn’t do anything else either.
“It’s a big game, it’s not a big game because it’s my old team, it’s a big game because of what’s at stake,” said Peppers. “It’s the next game. I’m not going to do anything abnormal or anything I haven’t done this season. Just come in, prepare as I’ve prepared all year and try to do my job the best I can.”