Patrick Peterson is heading to the AFC. The veteran cornerback is signing with the Steelers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter), Peterson will be inking a two-year pact with Pittsburgh. As the reporter notes, Peterson previously stated a desire to play two more seasons, meaning he’ll likely end his illustrious career with the Steelers.
The former All-Pro corner will score a two-year deal worth $14MM, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets, adding $5.85MM is guaranteed. Peterson, 32, had landed one-year pacts in each of the past two seasons. While the former top-five pick said he wanted to stay in Minnesota, the parties will break up after two seasons.
Peterson established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL during his 10 seasons with the Cardinals. The 2011 fifth-overall pick earned eight Pro Bowl nods and a pair of All-Pro recognitions during his time with the organization, culminating in him earning a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
The cornerback signed with the Vikings prior to the 2021 campaign. He was limited to only 13 games during his first season in Minnesota but rebounded by appearing in all 17 contests in 2022, finishing with 66 tackles, five interceptions, and 15 passes defended. He also finished as PFF’s 12th-best cornerback among 118 qualifiers, including one of the best coverage scores at his position. This was the first time Peterson finished in PFF’s top-10 at CB since the 2018 season.
The Steelers were especially in need of a cornerback after losing Cam Sutton to Detroit earlier today. The team also had to move on from William Jackson III earlier this offseason, necessitating at least one move at the position.
Well he’s unquestionably the number 1 CB on the team. But it’s not like that eliminates the need at the position. Now getting him to pair with a Porter Jr or Gonzales and mentor them? I like that a lot. Hopefully the price tag wasn’t too steep.
Deep corner class. Don’t go corner in rd1. Get a DT or OT
Agreed. The line is more important in spite of the smokescreen the Steelers have sent up about the OL especially being “developing”.
Oh I’d go OL at 32. I don’t think the top OT will still be there at 17. I think trading up is a more likely possibility than the previous 20 years, but the possibility of adding 3 impact players in the top 49 is too good to sacrifice picks to move up.
OL with the first two picks if possible. We have the pieces at the other positions on offense, but they’re meaningless if the line can’t block.
I’d argue that they’re short a pair of reliable hands underneath
cough cough Addison.. hopefully available at 32
idk why ppl are sold on Calvin Austen .. it’s like penciling in Dri Archer into the slot receiver spot with no other options on the roster. may be a reason Colbert was able to get that 40-time in the 4th round
and Dionte… well even with him they’re weak on WR depth
Kind of surprised they signed him given his recent comments about going to a SB contender. But I was wrong. The Steelers weren’t asleep at the wheel
“and a pair of All-Pro recognitions”
The Pro Football Reference link says he has three First Team All-Pros. Should be a lock for the HoF whenever he hangs em up.
Love the signing. Hopefully it wasn’t too much on the cap.
With various needs, I would still say drafting another DB isn’t out of the question…probably not at #17 though.
I think OT, OG/C, DT, MLB, EDGE and possibly S (until more is unpacked in free agency). Personally, I hope Khan is willing to trade back if their guy isn’t there. They have a lot of holes…
Agreed. I hope they draft two OL with the first two picks. They have the pieces in place at all the positions, no need to waste them away and make it difficult for their QB of the future. Give them a fighting chance I say. Load up on D next year and plug it for now through FA.
I’m not pigeon holing OL with those picks — with so many holes, honestly they can take best available at #17 and almost surely fill a hole.
Personally, I go OT at #17 *IF* one of their guys is there. If not, trade back and get more picks (what if DAL offered #26 + #58 for #17?). There are guys like Schmitz (C – MIN) and Torrence (G – FLA) that I’d take in the 2nd…but not necessarily at #17. You could also be seeing OTs like Harrison, Duncan, Wright, Mauch, and Dawand Jones later in the 2nd…if you go “best available” at #17 (or even #26 if you trade back).
A lot of talent available — especially when you have as many holes as PIT does.