The NFL has placed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers on the Commissioner Exempt List following serious legal charges, including strangulation and drug possession. Peppers, who is a team captain and in his eighth NFL season, pleaded not guilty to the charges after being arrested during a domestic disturbance. He will not be allowed to practice or attend games while on the exempt list, impacting the Patriots' defensive lineup significantly.

• The Patriots will have to adjust their defense without Peppers, a key player.
• Peppers' legal issues could have long-term implications for his career and the team's performance.