2024 NFL Free Agents: Which Available Players Can Still Be Key Contributors? | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Mia Horton Patrick Peterson is yet another cornerback who could still play a significant role for a team in 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cut the three-time All-Pro in a money-saving move. However, he played in all 17 games for the Steelers last season, starting 16 games and giving up just 7.7 yards per target.
He also added an intriguing chapter of his career by moonlighting at safety toward the end of the season.
Now he's without a home for 2024 but willing to be patient and flexible.
In an appearance on the FOX NFL Podcast (h/t Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot) Peterson said that he doesn't expect to sign with a team until after the draft. That would allow him to get a better idea of what a team's secondary will look like.
He also didn't rule out a more full-time move to safety provided a team gives him some warning.
"I don't want to start at safety because that's a different animal back there, a different view," Peterson said. "If that is the case, I would need to be warned going into the season to get my body, my (mind) prepared. Because it's different being at the safety from a cornerback position having those open-field tackles. … And you're the last line of defense."
Peterson showed enough that he should get a shot at corner, but the possibility of playing safety makes him a safer signing.
The Packers—who could use help at corner and safety—would make a lot of sense. A return to the Steelers shouldn't be ruled out either.
Potential Fits: Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions