FOXBORO — In his first comments since inking a contract extension last week, Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers said Friday the new deal has lifted a weight off his shoulders.

Now, it’s about lifting his team to former glory.

“This is where I want to be. I’m comfortable here; comfortable with the scheme, I love the guys, I think we have something good going here right now,” Peppers said after practice. “So I definitely wanted to be part of the turnaround, for sure.”

The 28-year-old is now under contract through 2027 thanks to his new three-year, $24 million deal. Peppers has enjoyed a mid-career renaissance with the Patriots, posting 78 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and one sack last season. He originally signed as a free agent in 2022, coming off a torn ACL that prematurely ended his last season with the Giants in 2021.

Peppers has also brought a fresh energy to the locker room and become a vocal leader on defense.

“He brings that energy each and every day,” coach Jerod Mayo said last week. “He’s one of our best communicators on defense along with (Kyle Dugger). I feel very good about that safety room as a whole.”

Peppers is again expected to start in 2024 next to Dugger and likely veteran Jaylinn Hawkins or 2023 third-round pick Marte Mapu at safety.

Ex-Patriots running back James White and former team executive Scott Pioli, now with the NFL Network, attended practice Friday. … NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry will serve as the radio analyst for the Patriots’ first two preseason games alongside play-by-play man Bob Socci. Perry replaces Scott Zolak, who will be splitting the television broadcast duties with Devin and Jason McCourty on WBZ.