With the 2024 league year set to begin in just a few days, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to release veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson. Originally selected with the fourth-overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Peterson was one of the most explosive, dangerous, and all-around excellent players in the league at the peak of his career. Earning eight Pro Bowl selections and winning First-Team All-Pro honors on three separate occasions, the LSU product will likely end up in the Hall of Fame when all is said and done.
However, time comes for us all, and Patrick Peterson has not been his usual dominant self in recent seasons. The defensive back originally signed a two-year deal before the 2023 season and planned on playing out the entirety of his contract. For what it’s worth, he still had a decent season, finishing the year with 37 tackles, 12 run stops, two interceptions, and an 80.4 passer rating when targeted. However, despite these solid numbers, Pittsburgh decided they had better uses for the $6.8 million in cap space they gained by releasing him.
This release isn’t too much of a surprise, as Patrick Peterson discussed the possibility a little while back on the All Things Covered podcast. In the interview, Peterson questioned, “if the Steelers want me to finish with them.” They gave a resounding answer today, and it’s fair to wonder what’s next for the one-time star.
Is Latest Release The End of the Road For Patrick Peterson?
Now entering his age-34 season, Patrick Peterson no longer has the quickness, deep speed, or lateral agility to play cornerback at a high level. While Peterson’s football IQ is second to none, it takes a special type of athlete to play cornerback, as it’s arguably the second-hardest position in football behind quarterback.
With this in mind, Patrick Peterson might have to transition to safety. This is something he started to do with the Steelers last year, and previous greats like Charles Woodson have found success by switching positions later in their career. The biggest problem for Peterson is that the safety market is currently oversaturated with talent.
Following the Justin Simmons and Jordan Poyer releases, there are more starting-caliber safeties than actual starting positions. Patrick Peterson is not going to break the bank as a free agent, and seeing as the man has already earned over $113 million in his professional career, it’s reasonable to question if he’d be willing to suit up for a minuscule paycheck. However, if he’s willing to come back for another season, these five teams might be willing to give him a shot.
Possible Team Fits
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have one of the youngest rosters in football and still managed to make it all the way to the NFC Divisional Round. With a solid foundation in place, this team should spend the offseason adding seasoned veterans who can help a young roster reach its full potential. Patrick Peterson is the perfect fit for the job, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Packers desperately need a new safety. If there’s any team that knows how good an all-time great cornerback can be at safety, it’s Green Bay.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints extended Tyrann Mathieu, but now they need to secure the other safety spot. With Marcus Maye released, this team could use another reliable option on the back end to take away the deep shots. With Mike Evans re-signing in Tampa Bay and Kirk Cousins likely joining the Falcons, New Orleans is going to need to add more players capable of breaking up big plays downfield if they want to finally make their postseason return. Patrick Peterson might lack the quickness to match Evans in man coverage for a full game, but he still has the reflexes to play over the top and discourage downfield passes.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are not only looking for an Eddie Jackson replacement, but they could also use more reinforcements at the cornerback position. Patrick Peterson can fill both of these roles, playing cornerbacks against teams with deep wide receiver depth charts and playing safety against teams with one or two elite threats and not much else.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to lose Geno Stone in free agency, and while they have two reliable starters in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, the Ravens roll out three safeties more than just about any other team in the league. Patrick Peterson is a perfect fit here, as he can play a more specialized role more suited to his specific skill set.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers had one of the worst secondaries in the league and could use Patrick Peterson at both safety and cornerback. While he can’t singlehandedly turn this unit into the Legion of Boom, he might be the most cost-effective option for the cash-strapped Chargers.
Main Photo: Philip J. Pavely – USA Today Sports
