Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson is one of the most decorated active players in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean his current team won’t release him. Pittsburgh has already begun the process of moving on from expensive veterans, and there is a chance Peterson is the next man on the list.
Originally signed to a two-year deal prior to the start of the 2023 season, the eight-time Pro Bowler had a solid first year with the Steelers. While he’s nowhere close to the player he used to be, he still finished the year with 37 tackles, 12 run stops, two interceptions, and an 80.4 passer rating allowed in coverage. However, despite the relatively reliable production, the Steelers still might release Patrick Peterson.
Patrick Peterson is due a $3 million roster bonus early in the league year, but that money goes away if the Steelers release him. The defensive back recently spoke about his future on the All Things Covered podcast and made it clear that the ball is in Pittsbugh’s court.
“The question is if the Steelers want me to finish with them. I signed a two-year deal for a reason,” Peterson said.
Patrick Peterson Discusses Potential Release
While $3 million isn’t that much by NFL standards, every last cent is going to matter for Pittsburgh. The team is currently $4.3 million over the projected 2024 salary cap, and they’re going to need some money to bring in a decent veteran quarterback. Patrick Peterson can still help the right team, but if his release helps the Steelers improve from Kenny Pickett, then this is an easy decision.
Patrick Peterson should be able to find another team if the Steelers release him, but he might need to change positions. Now entering his age-34 season, the former first-round pick has lost a step and should probably transition to safety. This is something he started doing last year, and we’ve seen the strategy pay off with previous greats like Charles Woodson.
Seeing as Patrick Peterson signed a modest two-year, $14 million deal, it’s safe to assume he won’t break the bank if the Steelers release him. He’d be a great low-risk, medium-reward signing for any team, and these five organizations make the most sense.
Possible Next Teams
Atlanta Falcons
The biggest need for the Atlanta Falcons is a new quarterback. However, they should also think about finding another starting safety. Jessie Bates is fantastic, but the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. Patrick Peterson could be the ideal signing after his release, as the Falcons don’t need a superstar – they just need someone who isn’t a total liability.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will inevitably dig their way out of their self-imposed salary cap hell, but it wouldn’t hurt them to do some bargain shopping. Tyrann Mathieu is still a solid player, but he’s not the lockdown defensive back he used to be. The same can be said of Patrick Peterson, and if the Steelers release him, these older veterans could show the world that they still have some juice left in their tanks.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have the foundation in place to be a perennial contender for years to come. Now, they just need to sign the right veterans to build a complete roster capable of taking down any unit in the league. Seeing as this team came minutes away from advancing to the NFC Championship Game, they could use a veteran like Patrick Peterson – assuming the Steelers release him, of course. With Darnell Savage likely to depart in free agency, Peterson could be a cost-effective replacement who can help out the younger players while also providing adequate play in the back part of the defense.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are not going to be able to re-sign all their free agents. With Justin Madubuike, Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Queen, Odell Beckham, and Geno Stone all set to hit the open market, Baltimore is going to have to pick and choose who to let go. Geno Stone was great during his lone year in Baltimore and he probably paid his way into a higher paycheck. Patrick Peterson would be a cheap replacement, and getting him after the Steelers – a longtime division foe – release him would just make the signing that much sweeter.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears released Eddie Jackson to save cap space, but doing so created a hole at the safety position. Jackson and Patrick Peterson were both among the best in the league at their respective positions during the peaks of their career, but both have dropped off quite a bit since then. Today, they’re both unremarkable starters, but Patrick Peterson is going to be a lot cheaper than the recently released Eddie Jackson. By making this cost-cutting move, the Bears can more easily go after big-name free agents like Michael Pittman or Michael Onwenu.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
