Steelers' Patrick Peterson Is Taking Valuable Snaps At Safety With Minkah Fitzpatrick Not On The Field During 2023 Training Camp

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Patrick Peterson this offseason, many thought he would play almost exclusively outside the numbers, which is the role he assumed during his time with both the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings over the course of his 12-year NFL career. However, it became evident early on during his time in Pittsburgh that this would not be the case. Instead, the eight-time Pro Bowler would assume a variety of different positions. While he will likely settle in at outside corner for a majority of his snaps in 2023, Peterson's experience and mental sharpness may allow for him to move around in the Steelers' secondary in 2023. 

Peterson joining the Steelers largely took place because of the departure of Cam Sutton to the Detroit Lions. A third-round pick by the Steelers in 2017, Sutton was highly effective during his time in Pittsburgh as both an outside and slot cornerback. With him gone, there have been questions as to who will play in the slot, especially on critical third-down plays. The Steelers certainly have a number of players who could potentially win the job such as Chandon Sullivan, Elijah Riley, Tre Norwood, and Duke Dawson. With that being said, it may end up being Peterson who shifts inside in both nickel and dime defensive formations. 

In addition to Peterson playing snaps in the slot, he may also see some time at safety. During the Steelers' first two days of training camp practices, the former Cardinals and Vikings' star has already proved his versatility. 

Peterson Is All-In On Helping The Steelers' Defense Dominate In 2023

Peterson is certainly capable of playing multiple positions for the Steelers' defense. At 33 years old, he is far from in the prime of his career, but is still in tremendous shape and is coming off a stellar 2022 campaign with the Vikings in which he recorded five interceptions. Furthermore, the transition from corner to safety is a natural one for defensive backs who are on the back-end of their careers. While Peterson at free safety may ultimately be viewed as an experiment, it is encouraging to know that the Steelers have a viable option at the position if something happens to Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has not taken part in the team's first two training camp practices. 

In addition to his on-field responsibilities, there is no denying that the coaching staff will rely upon him to serve as a mentor for the team's young defensive backs. His ability to work with both Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. will undoubtedly help speed up their progression during their rookie season. Porter, who will likely serve as a starter at some point in 2023, has reportedly been very impressive in training camp thus far. 

Will The Steelers' Secondary Keep Up In An Immensely Talented AFC? 

Porter, Peterson, and Levi Wallace will likely be the corners who will play the most snaps in 2023, barring injury. Wallace, who started nine games for the Steelers in 2022, will have a decent chance of holding on to his starting spot to begin the 2023 campaign, but may see his role diminished once Porter is fully up to speed and ready to step in as a full-time starter. Regardless, the question of whether or not the team has enough talent in their secondary to keep with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs or Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals has yet to be answered.

Peterson's versatility may end up being a critical component of answering this question in 2023. With him feeling comfortable enough in shifting inside and covering the slot, or perhaps even lining up at free safety, the Steelers have a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to game-planning for high-powered offenses on a week-to-week basis. The secondary will be something to watch out for as training camp rolls on. One thing is for sure, fans should be extremely appreciative to have a player of Peterson's caliber in the mix. He may just end up being the final puzzle piece in helping the defense re-gain their title as the top unit in the entire league. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

How would Yinz feel about Peterson playing safety? Do you think the Steelers have done enough to improve their secondary? What has been your biggest takeaways from training camp thus far? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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