The Pittsburgh Steelers Signing Patrick Peterson Gives Them Another Proven Leader In 2023

According to Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a deal with Patrick Peterson. The financial specifics of the deal have not been released yet. 

Peterson, who is 32, is a three-time All-Pro cornerback who most recently spent two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He made eight consecutive Pro Bowls and was part of the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team.

Pittsburgh Steelers Khan With A Genius Move

Peterson is on track to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. During his 12-year career, he has racked up the stats. He has 610 tackles, 537 solo tackles, 34 interceptions, four sacks, two forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries. 

He started his career for the Arizona Cardinals, getting drafted by them in the first round with the fifth overall pick. Peterson, who played for LSU, was a standout in college. He was widely considered the best player and was the highest-rated CB in the draft that year. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, was in attendance at LSU's Pro Day in 2011 to watch Peterson perform drills.  

Peterson is freakishly athletic and started his career helping on special teams to return punts. He was named the Cardinals starting CB by then-head coach Ken Whisenhunt. He scored his first touchdown during the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, returning a punt for 89 yards in the fourth quarter to give them the win.  

Don't let Peterson's age fool you, he is still a force to be reckoned with. During the 2022 season with the Vikings he had five interceptions and 15 passes deflected while amassing 66 tackles during his 17 games. He allowed a 79.6 passer rating after having a 78.7 in 2021. Additionally, PFF graded Peterson at 82.5 in 2022 for coverage.  

He still plays at a very high level. Peterson brings an excellent mix of size and strength to the secondary. He plays press coverage at the line of scrimmage and is still able to make plays for the ball. The Steelers are definitely in need of help at corner. On Monday, starting CB Cam Sutton signed a deal with the Detroit Lions for approximately $11 million a year for three years. Fans and analysts have been debating whether the Steelers would re-sign Sutton or let him go. Peterson feels like a definite upgrade to anything else we have in the CB room. While it does not totally eliminate the need to look at a corner in the draft, it does reduce the urgency. 

Peterson brings leadership and work ethic to a group that includes Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon, James Pierre and Arthur Maulet. He is well known for his strong work ethic and the professionalism he brings to a team. Peterson recently appeared on Schefter's podcast and said that at this point he just wants a Super Bowl. 

"I'm playing for jewelry at this period in my career, I want to be able to be with the team that's going to be in the position that's going to be in the playoffs. That's the first step. Every team is not promised a championship no matter how good the team is. I want to be on a team that can get in the playoffs, first and foremost, and that's able to compete for a championship. At this moment, I'm looking for a team that can help provide jewelry."

The Peterson signing is a strong start to the Steelers' off-season moves and should quiet some of the Omar Khan doubters. This allows the Steelers a little more flexibility with their first-round pick. HIs calculated market value according to Spotrac is $6.4 million, which is a reasonable price for someone of Peterson's caliber. It continues the Steelers' trend of signing solid players without overpaying for them.

Now we will just wait and see if the Steelers let him wear #7. 

What do you think of the Peterson signing? Do you think the Steelers should let him wear #7? Does this make you feel better about Sutton leaving? What do you think the Steelers will do in the first round now? Does this change anything? Comment below. 

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