Patrick Peterson, a free agent, is facing a turning point in his career. When he was chosen with the fifth overall choice in the 2011 NFL Draft, the LSU product was regarded as one of the sport’s top cornerbacks. Peterson was selected to eight consecutive Pro Bowl teams between 2011 and 2018 and was named to the First Team All-Pro three times. Regretfully, 2011 seems like a long time ago, and the veteran is beginning to show signs of ageing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers offered free agency Patrick Peterson a two-year contract last year, but he only played for the team for one season. Although he started the season as a cornerback, the seasoned player eventually moved to safety. The likely Hall of Famer says he wants to remain at cornerback in 2024, but it’s possible he’ll need to take on a hybrid role. According to a recent Bleacher Report piece, Peterson is an ideal fit for the Houston Texans given his current skill set.
In addition to playing safety, Patrick Peterson would serve as both C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah’s insurance policy. The Texans could use depth there as well, and he lined up there for the Steelers late in the season. It’s been a while since Jimmie Ward played a complete season, and rookie Calen Bullock may need to strengthen his play before he can play on a full-time basis.
Patrick Peterson, a free agent, is linked to the Houston Texans
Although switching positions on the fly is difficult, such transitions have occurred before. The most well-known example is Charles Woodson, the Hall of Famer who moved to safety and added a couple more years to his career. The position of safety can tolerate players who are a step slower and not nearly as quick on their feet, but cornerbacks must possess exceptional quickness and the ability to change directions. Although Patrick Peterson, a free agent, should accept a dual role as he ages, he can still play cornerback at a decent level.
Not alone in their need for a free agent such as Patrick Peterson, the Texans are all in. Good defensive backs are hard to come by, so Peterson ought to draw some attention as a safety, cornerback, or combination of the two.
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Additional Possible Locations
The Chiefs of Kansas City
L’Jarius Sneed has not yet been adequately replaced by the Kansas City Chiefs. Maybe they think Joshua Williams can handle the extra accountability of a full-time position, but it would be wise to add a seasoned free agent like Patrick Peterson as a backup. Peterson can fill in as a cornerback if Williams isn’t prepared for a full-time position. He can patrol the deep area of the field as a safety and utilise cunning to deter deep shots across the middle.
Panthers of Carolina
Another seasoned defensive back is what the Carolina Panthers desire. Early attention was centred on Stephon Gilmore, but a deal could not be reached between the two parties. Talks might resume later in the offseason, but Carolina might change course and try to sign Patrick Peterson as a free agent. With Jaycee Horn healthy, the defensive back won’t have to start at cornerback and can fit better as a flexible chess piece on this team.
Commanders in Washington
In football last season, the Washington Commanders had the poorest secondary. Even with their investment in defence, this squad still needs more playmakers to make up for their lacklustre defence. Patrick Peterson, a free agent, should be able to establish a role for this lacklustre defence, whether it be at safety or cornerback.
Saints of New Orleans
Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry, a second-round selection, are two dependable cornerbacks for the Saints. But they don’t have a solid backup that can go up against Tyrann Mathieu. Patrick Peterson’s hopes of becoming a cornerback will have to wait when he signs with the Saints, but the undrafted player is a great fit for the open safety spot. At this stage of his career, Mathieu would be best served in a box safety duty, and Peterson is more than competent of covering the deep section of the pitch.
Chargers of Los Angeles
The majority of the Chargers’ offseason resources were devoted to reconstructing the offence in Jim Harbaugh’s likeness. The defence could use additional support, even though that side of the ball needed some improvement. Although Brandon Staley’s loss is an addition by subtraction, the secondary still needs improvement. Although he’s not the same talent as he once was, free agency Patrick Peterson could still start for this club at safety or cornerback.
