Steelers' Patrick Peterson Vs. Cam Sutton: Who Is The Better Option At CB In 2023?

Pittsburgh Steelers fans all across the world felt their heart sink when the news of Cam Sutton signing a three-year deal with the Detroit Lions was announced. There were numerous reports that the Steelers had tremendous interest in bringing him back this offseason, but the Lions ultimately offered a contract the Steelers simply weren't willing to match. A sad ending for the era of Sutton with the Steelers. He truly was one of the most consistent defensive backs the team has had over the past decade. However, as the Steelers so often do, they found a replacement quickly. 

The free agent class at corner this year wasn't particularly deep, as many insiders predicted the Steelers would go after a corner who was entering the prime of their careers such as the Arizona Cardinals' Byron Murphy or the Las Vegas Raiders' Rock Ya-Sin if Sutton was not brought back. General Manager Omar Khan had a different plan in mind. 

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your new starting cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, Patrick Peterson.

An Analysis Of The Newest Pittsburgh Steeler, Patrick Peterson

Peterson is a Pittsburgh Steeler. Not bad, Omar Khan. They have found one of their starting cornerbacks for the 2023 season. While having Peterson on the roster would have been much nicer five years ago when he was playing at an All-Pro level, he is still a highly effective player who ended this past season with 5 interceptions and 15 passes defended. Not bad for a soon-to-be 33-year-old. 

Is Peterson An Upgrade Over Sutton? 

It may be helpful to take into consideration the contract that both players received to best answer this question. Sutton signed a three-year, $33 million contract with $22.5 million guaranteed. A well-deserved contract for a player who has often been overlooked. On the other hand, Peterson inked a two-year, $14 million deal with $5.85 million guaranteed. Both players are equally deserving of their respective contracts. 

Sutton will most likely be the Lions' starting corner for at least the next three years at only 28 years old, while Peterson is at the tail end of his career. Optimistically speaking, he will play out the entirety of his two-year commitment to the Steelers. After that, he will most likely consider retirement. With 8 All-Pro selections and 34 career interceptions, he is without question a first-ballot Hall of Famer. 

For long-term answers at the corner, the choice is fairly obvious in Sutton over Peterson. However, strictly speaking in the 2023 season, Peterson is an upgrade over Sutton. His ability to play exceptionally well in man coverage and intelligence of the game makes him one of the best ball-hawking defensive backs in the NFL, even at the age of 32. He played and started in all 17 games for the Vikings last year. Throughout his career, he has done a tremendous job of staying healthy and providing stability to the Cardinals' and Vikings' defensive back room. He will hopefully do the same for the Steelers. 

Before the start of free agency, Peterson had this to offer about his next team:

"I'm playing for jewelry at this point 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," said Peterson. 

Final Thoughts On Patrick Peterson Vs. Cam Sutton

For Peterson to land with the Steelers, it speaks to the confidence he has in the team as well as head coach, Mike Tomlin, to go deep in the 2023 postseason. While the road to get there will be extremely tough in an immensely competitive AFC, the addition of Peterson is certainly a step in the right direction. He is a proven veteran who will immediately provide invaluable leadership to the Steelers' young secondary. Losing Sutton is tough. However, to replace him with a player at a cheaper cost who unarguably had a better season in 2022, the Steelers have to be pleased with the outcome. 

How do you feel about this decision, Steeler Nation? Do you agree that Peterson will serve as an upgrade at outside cornerback for the Steelers in 2023? What other free agents do you see the team looking at this offseason? Any corners in the 2023 NFL Draft you are particularly interested in? Let us know in the comments!

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