Three-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection Patrick Peterson is arguably the most decorated defensive back left on the free agent market. Entering the league back in 2011, the LSU product exceeded the expectations that come with being the fifth-overall pick in the NFL Draft. At his best, the explosive athlete was one of the few lockdown players at his position.
While age has caught up with the veteran, Patrick Peterson plans to continue his career and sign with a new team as a free agent. However, that probably won’t happen any time soon. Despite playing a bit of safety in 2023, Peterson says he still views himself as a corner and expects to sign with a team after the 2024 NFL Draft.
“From the cornerback position, I think a lot more signings are going to happen toward after the draft, once teams really understand what they have on their roster and what they may need to continue to improve their rosters. That’s when I believe you’ll start to see more guys get picked up. Me and my agent have had conversations with a couple teams. Nothing really serious thus far, but there has been conversations. Like I said, we’ll see what happens in the next couple months.”
Patrick Peterson Discusses Free Agent Future
Based on this quote from his recent appearance on the NFL on Fox podcast, Patrick Peterson seems to understand that he’s no longer a top free agent. Age comes for us all, and the LSU product wisely realizes team needs will change depending on which organizations can and cannot draft.
What’s interesting is that Patrick Peterson still seems to believe that a team will sign him as a free agent to play cornerback. Cornerbacks need elite athleticism to follow receivers across the field, and the 34-year-old Peterson has lost a step over the years. Peterson said he’d like a warning if interested teams viewed him as a safety, and he might find out that’s where his future lies.
Whether it’s safety or cornerback, some team will eventually go after Patrick Peterson as a free agent. At the end of the day, reliable defensive backs are hard to find, and the three-time All-Pro has enough in his tank to at least be a reliable depth option.
Possible Team Fits
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts missed out on L’Jarius Sneed, and Patrick Peterson could be a fine free agent consolation prize. As it happens, Indianapolis has needs at both cornerback and safety, which makes Peterson a perfect fit. If he can still play cornerback at a high level, then he should help the team slow down division rivals like Calvin Ridley, Tank Dell, and Christian Kirk. However, if he can’t, then he can play deep safety and discourage C.J. Stroud from going for the home run shot on every dropback.
Kansas City Chiefs
With L’Jarius Sneed out of town, the Kansas City Chiefs could use a free agent cornerback like Patrick Peterson. Even though they have a lot of cap space, they might need to use some of that money on a new wide receiver following the Rashee Rice car accident. If they suddenly need to push pennies, then Peterson will probably be the most cost-effective starter they could find.
Detroit Lions
Even before the Cameron Sutton release, the Detroit Lions needed more cornerbacks. Now that Sutton is out of town, signing a free agent like Patrick Peterson is a necessity. Ideally, Peterson will be able to play cornerback for this team, but he can also help replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson if he no longer has the quickness to match up against top receivers in man coverage.
New Orleans Saints
Just like the Colts and Lions, the New Orleans Saints need cornerbacks and safeties. Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu are both solid at their jobs, but both players need a complementary starter. Seeing as the Saints are likely to address the offensive line with their first-round pick, the team might as well use a cost-effective free agent like Patrick Peterson as a quick fix for the secondary.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are determined to improve in Year 1 of the Dave Canales Era. After fortifying the offense and adding edge defender Jadeveon Clowney, the team is now looking toward the secondary. While Stephon Gilmore is their primary target, Patrick Peterson is a fine Plan B as a free agent. This team isn’t going to hoist the Lombardi in 2024, but they could surprise a few people if Bryce Young makes the Year 2 leap.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
