The Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers are among the top fits for notable free agent cornerback, Patrick Peterson this upcoming regular season. According to AP News, the veteran is among the most notable players available on the market for a team that needs to plug in a last hole on their roster. The eight-time Pro Bowler may be the same player but being that he was able to start 16 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season indicates that he still has it. Peterson is the type of player that’s still durable so it shouldn’t be a surprise if he lands with a team that’s looking for veteran depth.
The veteran is still at a crossroads in his career, however, there was a time when he was one of the best cornerbacks in the league. The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the 2011 NFL Draft, but age is starting to catch with the Pro Bowler so this might be his final chance searching for a team. The Hall of Famer wants to stick to his cornerback role but he might be open to a hybrid if he wants to garner interest from teams looking for depth. Learning a new position won’t be easy for him since he is a veteran so it’ll take time before he progresses.
Ravens, Chiefs, Panthers Among Top Fits For Notable Free Agent Patrick Peterson
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The cornerback position may not be the biggest need but a place like Baltimore could revive Peterson’s career. The Ravens have two reliable defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens, including rookie Nate Wiggins. However, the rookie won’t be ready to carve out a backup role, especially since he’s already dealing with injuries. It may be safe for the Ravens to decide to bring in Peterson so that Wiggins has someone he can learn from.
The Ravens can only go far in their defensive pressure if they can finish up a play with an interception by the opposing quarterback. Peterson may no longer be the same player but his experience and championship mindset could give the secondary some extra stability.
Kansas City Chiefs
It may come down to either Peterson or Xavien Howard in search of a cornerback if any team is looking for a replacement or depth. After losing L’Jarius Sneed in a trade, the Chiefs haven’t been able to find a viable veteran to fill his shoes. They’re relying on Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams this year to make an impact but it’s hard to imagine that either of these players will last a full regular season. Both don’t have the experience like Peterson does so this might be his last stop before he eventually retires.
The Chiefs will likely make it near the Super Bowl for the next decade which would be a great opportunity for Peterson to finally get his ring.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina missed out on the Stephon Gilmore sweepstakes this off-season after attempting to make a deal with him. He’s signing with the Vikings so Peterson may be their next best option. Jaycee Horn can only go if he stays healthy but it’s troubling that he’s the only notable player in that secondary. Peterson would not only bolster the secondary but possibly carve out a starting role alongside Horn.
New Orleans Saints
The Marshon Lattimore trade rumors are continuing to brew even though the veteran is set to continue to start with New Orleans. However, the Saints have a deep roster of cornerbacks with Paulson Adebo and Kool-Aid McKinstry. They may be better off without Lattiimore if he continues to underperform or sustains another injury. New Orleans would still need a veteran in the secondary and being that Tyrann Mathieu is there, they could form a fiery duo pair with Peterson.
Dallas Cowboys
America’s team needs more answers in their secondary after they’re expecting to miss DaRon Bland for a couple of weeks. Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis still form a promising duo but they can’t risk one of them to get hurt. The Cowboys could sign Peterson to a cheap contract as emergency depth for the time being while Bland recovers.
