Steelers' Patrick Peterson's Podcast Faux Pas Leads To Tantalizing Story Of Kenny Pickett Offering His Blessings On A New Position

During the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired eight-time Pro Bowler, Patrick Peterson. Peterson, who is entering his 13th year in the NFL, started his career as a first-round draft pick for the Arizona Cardinals.

Initially, he was utilized as a cornerback and a kick returner, and he made an immediate impact with both positions. He set the single-season record for punt return touchdowns, but was also racking up special team tackles as well. Peterson consistently ranked among the very best players in the NFL and was repeatedly selected to Pro Bowls, and given All-Pro nods.

Now Peterson has a two-year contract with the Steelers. He has been very open that he still has a lot of fight left in him and he is looking forward to opportunities in the Steel City. He hopes to help Pittsburgh make it back to the Super Bowl. 

But just what are those opportunities? The Steelers' cornerback room looks a lot different than it did last year. Both Ahkello Witherspoon and Cam Sutton left. Pittsburgh also drafted Joey Porter Jr. in the second round, and Cory Trice Jr. in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The only returning cornerbacks are Levi Wallace and James Pierre.

Fans are excited to see what Porter and Trice can do, but how will Peterson fit into this secondary? Well on his podcast, Peterson himself might have dropped a tidbit that confirms what has been speculated on for weeks.

Steelers' Patrick Peterson Lets The Ball Drop On His Podcast

Peterson has a number of "six degrees of separation" ties to the Steelers. However, there is one big connection and that's Peterson's cousin, Bryant McFadden. McFadden, or B-Mac as he is called by Peterson, was also a cornerback. He did two stints with the Steelers from 2005-08 and 2010-11 and won two Super Bowls with them.

Now retired from football, McFadden co-hosts a podcast with Peterson called All Things Covered. The show talks about a wide range of NFL topics, but not surprisingly, the Steelers are a repeat favorite. 

On their latest episode, they were discussing minicamps as the team begins to gear up for the start of the 2023 season when Peterson made a little faux pas. 

"Today honestly was like the first glimpse of me really," said Peterson. "I had my three weeks here, just kind of trying to learn my way, learning a new position and moving all over the field, just trying to learn what I need to do." 

Excuse me, WHAT???

While it has definitely been speculated since the signing of Peterson that he might be used as a slot corner versus as an outside corner, there hasn't been any firm confirmation from the man himself quite like this. Previously he would comment that he was "moving around the field a bit."  

You immediately see McFadden's eyes go wide. He even says he's always known him to play outside corner. Peterson acknowledges that he heard correctly and McFadden asks for more details.  

"I didn't say it, I just caught it," laughs McFadden. "But what new position? I've known you to be an outside corner, locked in, but what are you talking about? What new position are you learning?"

While Peterson hasn't been this direct before, he has said in interviews that he views himself as a "ball player" and alluded to the fact that other teams haven't always appreciated his abilities. He feels that is something that Pittsburgh, specifically Head Coach Mike Tomlin does.  

"Just having the opportunity to be a ball player, and that is what Coach Mike T and the Pittsburgh Steelers are giving me the opportunity to do. That's all I'm gonna say man."  

But that wasn't all he said. McFadden adds that Peterson made his comment, but did not directly confirm what the new position means and if he already knows how to play outside corner, what does that leave?  

"What I'm gonna say is, I saw on the news Coach Grady [Brown] said they plan on using me like they used Cam Sutton," responded Peterson. 

Steelers' Patrick Peterson Gets Kenny Pickett's Blessing

This comment has McFadden noting that means he could be used in the nickel or even dime package and we will all just have to wait and see. He says it sounds to him like Peterson will be utilized in many different ways.

"So if you're utilized in many different ways, that might mean we might be seeing one of them young pups out there," says McFadden. "Because if you ain't at the perimeter playing one of the cornerback positions, somebody else got to come in while you move all the way around. Are you moving around like Troy [Polamalu]?"

Peterson said that he actually got approval from the Steelers second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett to move to this new position. McFadden asks Peterson what exactly was said between the two of them.    

"I got approval from the starting quarterback who played in this league and has seen a bunch of coverages in his young career. He said, 'Man when you line up at this certain position, that f**ks me up.' I said ok."

McFadden smiles knowingly and said that if it creates problems for Pickett, then it surely will also create problems for other quarterbacks.  

Peterson notes that he doesn't want to dwell on the topic too much during the show. They both agree that there will be more talk about how he will be utilized as the preseason truly begins. 

"Viewers, you heard it from the source himself," says McFadden. "Pat P ain't just lining up at outside corner. So now you're getting a glimpse of what this new defense is going to look like. Pat P might be in the safety position, the nickel, the dime - he's gonna be moving around. We got to wait and see exactly where, but he's not going to be where he's usually been throughout his professional career. I can't wait, baby Rod Woodson."    

Wow! Do you think they will definitely use Peterson at slot? It certainly sounds that way. How do you think that secondary will look? Click to comment below. 

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