Free agent Patrick Peterson is at a crossroads in his career. Selected with the fifth-overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, there was a time when the LSU product was one the best cornerbacks in football. From 2011 to 2018, Peterson made it to eight straight Pro Bowl teams while earning First-Team All-Pro honors on three separate occasions. Unfortunately, 2011 was a long time ago, and age has started to catch up with the veteran.
Patrick Peterson signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, but the free agent only lasted one season with the team. Entering the year as a cornerback, the veteran played a bit of safety as the season progressed. While the probable Hall of Famer says he wants to stick at cornerback in 2024, he might have to play something of a hybrid role in 2024. In a recent article, Bleacher Report stated that Peterson’s current skillset makes him a perfect fit for the Houston Texans.
Patrick Peterson would be an insurance policy for both [C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah] but also could play safety. He lined up there late in the season for the Steelers and the Texans could use depth there as well. Jimmie Ward hasn’t played a full season for a while and rookie Calen Bullock might need to improve his play strength before being a full-time player.
Houston Texans Linked To Free Agent Patrick Peterson
Learning a new position on the fly isn’t easy, but transitions like this have happened in the past. Charles Woodson is the most popular example, as the Hall of Famer extended his career a few additional years by moving to safety. The cornerback position requires elite athleticism and change of direction, while safeties can get away with being one step slower and not quite as quick on their feet. Patrick Peterson can still play cornerback at an adequate level, but the free agent should embrace a dual role as he ages.
The Texans are all in and could use a free agent like Patrick Peterson, but they’re not alone. There aren’t enough good defensive backs to go around, and Peterson should receive some interest, be it as a safety, cornerback, or some hybrid of the two.
Other Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to find a proper replacement for L’Jarius Sneed. Perhaps they believe Joshua Williams can handle the added responsibility of a full-time role, but they should bring in a veteran free agent like Patrick Peterson just in case. As a cornerback, Peterson can provide some insurance in case Williams isn’t ready for a full-time role. As a safety, he can roam the deep part of the field and use his smarts to discourage deep shots over the middle.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers want another veteran defensive back. While early interest focused on Stephon Gilmore, the two sides could not agree on a contract. Perhaps they’ll continue talks later in the offseason, but Carolina could pivot and target Patrick Peterson as a free agent. The defensive back won’t need to be the top cornerback with Jaycee Horn healthy and could find a home as a versatile chess piece for this unit.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders had the worst secondary in football last year. While the team has invested in the defense, this team could still use more playmakers for this underwhelming unit. Whether it’s safety or cornerback, free agent Patrick Peterson should be able to carve out a role for this underwhelming defense.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have two reliable cornerbacks in Marshon Lattimore and second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry. What they lack, however, is a reliable safety capable of starting opposite Tyrann Mathieu. Signing with the Saints means that Patrick Peterson will need to put his cornerback dreams on hold, but the free agent is a perfect fit for the vacant safety position. Mathieu is better off in a box safety role at this point in his career, and Peterson is more than capable of patrolling the deep part of the field.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers spent most of their offseason resources rebuilding the offense in Jim Harbaugh’s image. While that side of the ball needed some work, the defense could use some help. Losing Brandon Staley is addition by subtraction, but the secondary could still use reinforcements. Patrick Peterson isn’t the player he once was, but the free agent could still start at cornerback or safety for this team.
Main Photo: Sam Greene – USA Today Sports
