Marcus Peters became the highest-paid corner on the Baltimore Ravens roster when he signed a three year(s)/$42 million extension Saturday afternoon. The deal locks up Peters through the 2022 season and comes with $32 million in guaranteed money. Peters’ rookie deal was set to expire at the end of the current 2019 season and would’ve made him maybe the most highly regarded cornerback in free agency. He was selected to his third Pro Bowl in his first season as a Raven.
Ravens and Pro Bowl CB Marcus Peters agreed to 3-year, $42 million extension that includes $32 million guaranteed, which is 76 percent of total contract, per source. Deal will pay Peters $20.5M in year 1. The 3-year deal would allow him to hit the free-agent market when he’s 29.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2019
Baltimore Ravens Sign Marcus Peters to Extension
After playing parts of four seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, Peters was acquired by the Ravens prior to their Week 7 matchup in 2019. The Ravens secondary was already fairly sturdy but the key losses of both Tavon Young and Jimmy Smith to injury exposed holes in the unit throughout the first six weeks of the season. Since Peters’ acquisition, the Ravens defense ranks first in scoring defense, second in total yardage, third in passing defense and fifth in takeaways. He has the most interceptions of any player since entering the league in 2015 with 27.
The large deal that Peters received has heavy implications towards the contracts of two other Ravens: Marlon Humphrey and Jimmy Smith. Humphrey has been outstanding throughout his first three years in the NFL and has played at an All-Pro level in 2019. He is due for a large raise when he becomes eligible for a contract extension of his own and his deal should be greater than Peters’. Smith, on the other hand, is in the final year on his current deal and will be 32 years old entering the 2020 season. Peters’ extension likely means that Smith will be let go in free agency with large amounts of money already committed to both Peters and Young.
With all the success the Ravens have had this season, general manager Eric DeCosta clearly wants to keep his core together. Peters looked to be a rental when he was brought over from LA but will now be a large part of the secondary for at least the next three seasons. He’s made a large difference since first suiting up for the Ravens midseason. DeCosta clearly believes he is a key cog in the Ravens’ defensive operation and will be counting on him, even more, moving forward.
Peters was the 2015 defensive NFL Rookie of the Year and is a one-time All-Pro.
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