In NFL free agency last year, the Detroit Lions signed former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton. The Lions, who now need to replace Sutton, may choose to target Patrick Peterson, a former Steelers defensive back, in free agency, according to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report.
Ballentine identified the three-time All-Pro cornerback as a possible fit for the Lions.
In an effort to save money, the Pittsburgh Steelers benched the three-time All-Pro. But he participated in every one of the Steelers’ 17 games last season, starting sixteen of them, and surrendering only 7.7 yards per target, according to Ballentine.
Toward the end of the season, he also added a fascinating chapter to his career by working as a safety contractor.
“Peterson is a safer signing because he can play safety, but he showed enough to deserve a chance at corner.”
Peterson agreed to a 5-year, $70 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals when his rookie contract ran out. He was named to the first team All-Pro three times in his first five seasons.
Peterson also had eight Pro Bowl appearances in a row, starting with his debut campaign in 2011.
Peterson has been a member of the Minnesota Vikings and Steelers for the last three seasons. In 17 regular season games last year, he recorded 42 total tackles, 11 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions while playing for Pittsburgh.
Peterson has changed as a player throughout the years. He last appeared in a Pro Bowl in 2018, and he hasn’t been selected to the All-Pro team since 2015.
But even as a starter for a struggling team like the Lions, he might still be able to contribute significant depth.
In his lone season with the Steelers last autumn, Peterson had a mixed bag overall. He occasionally had a lot of trouble tackling.
But occasionally, he can still provide solid coverage. Additionally, he wouldn’t have to square up against the best receiver on the other team in Detroit, unlike as he did in Pittsburgh during the first half of 2023. The new Lions cornerback Carlton Davis ought to take up that role.
The main reason the Steelers cut Peterson this offseason was because they didn’t think he was worth the expected $9 million or more in salary hit he was owed. Given his expertise and versatility, Peterson is a compelling option for Detroit on a more favorable contract.
Peterson might start opposite Davis or assist Brian Branch, the nickel cornerback, in covering the slot. In 2023, Peterson also started playing safety, and he’s willing to do so more this year.
The Lions acquired veteran cornerback Amik Robertson in free agency this offseason in addition to trading for Davis. Additionally, they re-signed Emmanuel Moseley and Khalil Dorsey.
It seems like the Lions added enough depth at cornerback with those signings in front of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Sutton was released by the Lions on March 21.
Detroit and Sutton broke up the day after Sutton was the focus of a police raid, according to a Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office press release dated March 20.
The Lions signed cornerbacks who can play a lot in 2024 in Davis and Robertson. But in 1,077 defensive snaps during the previous season, Sutton led Detroit. Thus, there’s a pretty big void left by his disappearance.
Peterson shouldn’t necessarily be a big snapper for teams in 2024. In July, he turns 34. However, he had the most defensive snaps (1,096 in 2023) for the Steelers.
Detroit may consider Peterson as a late free agent because of his versatility and ability to play a number of positions.
