A Steelers Tenure Adds To Legendary Pro-Bowler’s Revived Career In 2023
After sitting dormant for hours, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made his first offseason move. It doesn’t come without a loss, as former Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton inked a new three-year deal with the Detroit Lions—a massive blow for the cornerback room in Pittsburgh. To fill his shoes, Khan signed 32-year-old corner Patrick Peterson. So the fifth overall pick in 2011 finds his way to what will likely be his last team
Still Some Gas In That Tank
Last season, Peterson proved to be still productive. He started all 17 games for Minnesota, gathering five interceptions and 15 passes defended. The 12-year NFL veteran also posted 66 total tackles, 56 being solo tackles. Peterson had a revival season as one of the few shining stars on the Vikings’ defense. Now he gets to join a star-studded defense and terrorize teams on the back end with All-Pro Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Hopefully, playing in Minnesota prepared Peterson for the chilly AFC North weather. Peterson spent most of his career in Arizona in the sun and recently transitioned to cold weather cities, a genuine football guy—something the city of Pittsburgh will love.
Chomping At The Bit
Peterson appeared on the All Things Covered Podcast with two Time Super Bowl Champion and Former Steeler Bryant McFadden to talk about signing with the Steelers just minutes after it happened. The aging corner said Pittsburgh would likely be his final stop if things go according to plan. Peterson seemed excited to work in Pittsburgh, saying, “These guys have talent. All you can ask for is a chance to compete. ” In and year out, Pittsburgh will be in the playoffs.” When asked about the game of young players on the roster like Kenny Pickett, George Pickens, and Najee Harris.
The three-time First Team All-Pro seems to be full steam ahead to end his career. He chose Pittsburgh over several teams, including the in-division rival Bengals. It says a lot about Mike Tomlin and the effect he can have on guys. Peterson leads active players in interceptions with 35. He’s a Pro Football Hall Of Fame All 2010’s Team member. Making the Pro Bowl every year from 2011 to 2018, he’s hoping to add a couple more appearances.
“Im in the lab right now working on all the miscues i had last year. Thats going to help me be better this year.” -Patrick Peterson, All Things Covered Podcast with Bryant McFadden
Lasting Impact
The kid who grew up idolizing the legendary Deion Sanders now brings a lot to the table for an already stout Pittsburgh defense. But, while the eight-time Pro Bowler gets so much on the field, he might make his biggest impression as a Steeler off the field. With Sutton leaving town for Detroit, the Steelers are almost guaranteed to draft a cornerback with the 17th pick in the upcoming draft. Peterson will have a big hand in developing that guy in Pittsburgh over the next two years.
This draft is LOADED with Cornerback talent. Now that Sutton is gone, Khan and the Steelers may have to double-dip in the current and take two corners. Luckily, it’s an excellent draft for that. You should be able to find good corner help well into day three, which is not always the case. Also, luckily for Khan and the Steelers, they just signed a great mentor for those guys, a future Hall of Famer.
“I can’t wait to see those Terrible Towels, man.” -Patrick Peterson, All Things Covered Podcast with Bryant McFadden