The NFL trade deadline is long gone, but that doesn’t mean contending teams can’t add a few last-minute players to help their push for a Super Bowl. The Las Vegas Raiders recently released cornerback Marcus Peters, and several teams should be interested in adding the two-time All-Pro.
Peters may not be the player he once was, but he can still contribute in the right scheme. According to Pro Football Focus, Peters has a 68.8 overall grade, making him the 37th-best cornerback in the league by that metric. The Raiders only released him because he was on a one-year deal and was on pace to earn $1.5 million in additional incentives. Seeing as Las Vegas is out of the playoff picture, they didn’t want to pay up for a player who had no future with the franchise. Peters might lose a bit of coin in the short term, but now he gets a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.
5 Teams That Could Sign Marcus Peters
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best defenses in the game, but their biggest weakness is probably cornerback. The team has a small army of solid defensive backs, but they lack anyone with game-changing potential. Marcus Peters’ aggressive style of play might lead to a few big completions, but it also leads to a lot of turnovers. Peters obviously fits this scheme, so a reunion would make sense for both sides. With the Ravens currently in possession of the top seed in the AFC, they could use someone like Peters to maintain their grasp on the lone bye week the conference has to offer.
Denver Broncos
Don’t look now, but the Denver Broncos are in the thick of the playoff picture. Head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson have done a phenomenal job of turning this team around after a 1-5 start, but if they want to complete this improbable turnaround, they’ll need to improve the defense. Ja’Quan McMillan and Pat Surtain are a good duo, but this team could use a third cornerback. Marcus Peters is a perfect fit for the job and could be the final piece to ensure a Wild Card birth.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best defenses in the league, and second-year cornerback Trent McDuffie looks like a star in the making. The one problem is that the Chiefs don’t have a great option opposite their young superstar. Just like with the Ravens, Marcus Peters has a history with this team, so we know he’ll fit the defense. Additionally, opposing teams will be throwing early and often to keep up with Patrick Mahomes, so Peters’ ball-hawking tendencies make this pairing even better.
Seattle Seahawks
First-round pick Devon Witherspoon and the 2022 version of Tariq Woolen would be one of the best cornerback duos in the game. Unfortunately, Woolen took a major step back this year, going from one of the best defensive backs in the league to an active liability. The Seahawks are all-in on 2023, as evidenced by their trade for Leonard Williams, so they might as well sign Marcus Peters and upgrade their secondary.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have perhaps the best offense in the league, but their underwhelming defense could prevent them from going on a deep playoff run. Jalen Ramsey has played well in his first year with the Dolphins, but the rest of the secondary is not holding up their end of the bargain. Marcus Peters might not have another All-Pro season in him, but he would easily be the second-best cornerback on this depth chart.
Main Photo: Stephen L. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
