Steelers DB Patrick Peterson Admits Now May Be The Time For A Permanent Position Change

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Patrick Peterson in the offseason, it was supposed to help stabilize the cornerback position. The 13-year veteran has been up and down in his first season in Pittsburgh, but he had possibly his best game as a Steeler in Week 16. In a must-win contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, injuries forced Peterson to move to safety. It was his first career start at safety, and he passed the test with flying colors.

In another must-win game this upcoming weekend, Peterson will once again feature at safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick is questionable with a knee injury that forced him to miss Week 16. In the most recent episode of his All Things Covered podcast, Peterson admitted that the safety position may be his new home.

“I really feel like I'm a safety at heart because I'm a communicator. I love to talk, so when I was put in that position, it was like, now you really have an opportunity to talk... Honestly, I felt like it put me at a natural position... If I want to continue to play football, I think that is gonna be something that's necessary for me. But it's going to come down to me, if I want to make that change full-term," Peterson said to co-host Bryant McFadden.

When cornerbacks lose some of their speed and athleticism as they get older, a move to safety seems to be a realistic option. Most famously, Charles Woodson did this at the tail end of his career. The position change helped extend his career a few years, and he excelled in the meantime. He was able to add to his legendary career, which included a Pro Bowl appearance in his final NFL campaign.

There was talk of this with Peterson before the season, the possibility that he would play all over the field for Pittsburgh. Not only could he see some time at safety, but nickel corner was even discussed due to the team’s limited options there. The coaching staff talked about the potential flexibility of Peterson, but he was primarily used as an outside cornerback for the first three months of the season. 

Will Steelers Veteran Decide To Stay At Safety In 2024?

Peterson's usual position obviously changed last weekend, as his versatility came in handy. Not only does Fitzpatrick remain hurt, but Damontae Kazee is suspended for the remainder of the regular season. The veteran was ejected and subsequently suspended for a hit against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. He started nine games for the Steelers this season, so that’s a lot of snaps to replace. 

Keanu Neal, another potential option at the position, remains on IR with a rib injury. This is a particularly interesting discussion when it comes to the 2024 season. Peterson signed a two-year, $14 million deal, so he will have a year remaining on his contract. Fitzpatrick will obviously start at free safety in 2024, but it’s entirely possible that Peterson could help occupy the other spot.

If so, that would make cornerback a major priority once again this upcoming offseason. Beyond rookie Joey Porter Jr., the cornerback room needs some help. Levi Wallace has been abysmal in 2023 and with his impending free agency, he likely won't be back in Pittsburgh next season. Cory Trice Jr. is filled with potential, but he will be coming off a major knee injury. It seems very possible that Peterson does switch positions in the near future, which could help both him and the Steelers. 

Do you think the Steelers should move Peterson to safety full-time in 2024? How impressed were you with his impact at his new position in Week 16? If Fitzpatrick plays this weekend, how should the coaching staff utilize Peterson? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as interacting with our social media sites!

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