Steelers' Patrick Peterson Motivated To Likely Put Retirement On Hold After Developing A Relationship With Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback room has changed pretty dramatically since last season ended. Cam Sutton signed with the Detroit Lions and Ahkello Witherspoon was released. The organization drafted Joey Porter Jr with the first pick in the second round of the draft. They also brought in Cory Trice Jr in the seventh round, and he might be the steal of the draft. Levi Wallace is the only cornerback from last year that is likely to still be in the regular rotation in 2023.

The Steelers made one other move in the secondary after losing Sutton to free agency, they signed Patrick Peterson. Peterson is a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame cornerback who is about to be 33 years old. That is ancient for a cornerback, but Peterson demonstrated with the Minnesota Vikings last year that he still has gas in the tank. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin agreed, and they brought in the eight-time Pro Bowl selection to solidify the defensive backfield.

Peterson, who was an All-Decade selection for the 2010s, joined The Jim Rome Show on Thursday. Jim Rome listened to Peterson declare how ecstatic he was to be in Pittsburgh. Rome followed up by asking him what being a Steeler meant to him.

“It means the world to me,” Peterson said. “When you see Pittsburgh Steelers on the roster you know what’s gonna come, what the game is going to be like. It’s going to be rough, gritty, grown-man football. That’s why Coach Tomlin wanted me to come in and help Cam (Heyward), help TJ (Watt), and the Mink (Minkah Fitzpatrick) shape this team. I believe the sky is the limit for us honestly.”

Steelers' Newest Free Agent Patrick Peterson Raves About Teammates

The 12-year veteran is a pro’s pro who has played the position at a high level since he stepped on the field for the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. Peterson spent 10 years in Arizona and the last two with the Vikings. There is very little he has not accomplished in his career and Rome asked him why he was still playing football at his age.

“Jim, obviously I still want a Super Bowl,” Peterson confessed. “I came up close 2015 with the Arizona Cardinals but that’s my why. I feel like there is still room for an improvement on my behalf. That’s the type of player that I am. I’m always striving to be better than I was last year. I still have that urge. I still have that fire. Still having that fire, having that love that’s another why, but the ultimate why is trying to hoist that Lombardi.”

Peterson is not necessarily the three-time All-Pro he was in Arizona at his peak, but he demonstrated last season that he could still play the position at a high level. The CBS Sports host who never shies away from tough questions followed up with a direct question for Peterson. Rome asked if the Super Bowl is the goal and are the Steelers a Super Bowl-caliber team.

“We have all the pieces on defense. We know defense wins championships,” Peterson answered. “We have all the talent across the board on the offensive side of the board. It’s going to come down to how well Kenny (Pickett) can play and if can he put the ball where it needs to go. I believe he is a guy that we can rely on, that we can count on and now it’s going to all fall on him.”

The Steelers free agent cornerback expressed a lot of faith in Kenny Pickett going into 2023. Peterson hinted that he wasn’t necessarily putting all his eggs into the upcoming season’s basket. Peterson told Rome that he might be looking for an extended third act in black and gold.

“I’ve been moved all over the place and it’s been so fun for me,” Peterson said. “That is something I never really did but one thing about me, I am a ball player, you could plug me in anywhere and I will make it work. To finally come in with Coach Tomlin and have him explore the other attributes of my game it’s just gonna make me probably want to play longer.”

Rome rightfully praised Peterson for his attitude and pointed out that not every former All-Pro is quick to be flexible and offer to play differently. He has assumed a leadership role as the most accomplished cornerback on the current roster. Peterson has substantial influence over the rookies Porter and Trice and how he handles requests from the coaching staff to go outside of his comfort zone, is setting a great example.

Khan and Tomlin deserve a lot of credit for exploiting a veteran player’s desire to play in Pittsburgh. The Steelers' head coach is a valuable resource for the organization to attract top veterans at reasonable prices for the opportunity to play for Tomlin. Khan’s willingness to explore the free agent market beyond players looking for big paydays in their first free agency is a refreshing change and Tomlin’s presence played a huge role in landing Peterson.

The NFL is a results-oriented business so if signing Peterson produces a couple of high-level seasons, Khan and Tomlin’s cache will grow in the top veteran's free agent market as a premiere destination.

What do you think Steeler Nation? Are the Steelers demonstrating the desire to win by finally signing older free agents? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.

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