Last year, the Detroit Lions signed former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton through NFL free agency. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine speculated that the Lions may recruit another former Steelers defensive back in free agency – Patrick Peterson.
Ballentine mentioned the Lions as a probable destination for the three-time All-Pro cornerback.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers cut the three-time All-Pro in a cost-cutting move. However, he appeared in all 17 games for the Steelers last season, starting 16 and allowing only 7.7 yards per target,” noted Ballentine.
“He also added an interesting chapter to his career by moonlighting as a safety at the end of the season.
“Peterson showed enough that he should get a shot at corner, but the possibility of playing safety makes him a safer signing.”
After his rookie contract ended, Peterson agreed to a 5-year, $70 million extension with the Arizona Cardinals. In his first five seasons, he was named first-team All-Pro three times.
Peterson also earned eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, beginning with his first season in 2011.
Peterson has spent the previous three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 17 regular-season games last year in Pittsburgh, he recorded 42 total tackles, 11 pass defenses, and two interceptions.
How Patrick Peterson Might Fit With the Lions
Peterson is not the same player he once was. He hasn’t made the All-Pro team since 2015, and his last Pro Bowl appearance was in 2018.
However, he could still provide decent depth as a starter for a competitive team like the Lions.
Peterson had a difficult season as a Steeler last autumn. He struggled a lot with his tackling.
However, he can still provide effective coverage at times. In Detroit, he would not have to face the other team’s top receiver, like he did in Pittsburgh during the first half of 2023. That duty should go to new Lions CB Carlton Davis.
The Steelers dropped Peterson this summer, mostly because he was not worth the estimated $9 million cap hit he was owed. On a more cheap contract, Peterson is a fascinating option for Detroit, particularly given his experience and versatility.
Peterson might start opposite Davis or assist nickel cornerback Brian Branch in the slot. Peterson also began playing safety in 2023, and he is willing to doing so more this season.
Lions looking for another CB to replace Cameron Sutton.
Aside from dealing for Davis, the Lions added veteran cornerback Amik Robertson in free agency this summer. They also resigned Khalil Dorsey and Emmanuel Moseley.
With these deals, the Lions seemed to have gained adequate cornerback depth ahead of the 2024 NFL draft. But on March 21, the Lions released Sutton.
According to a Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office announcement dated March 20, Detroit broke ways with Sutton the day after he became the focus of a police search.
With Davis and Robertson, the Lions have added cornerbacks capable of playing a lot in 2024. However, Sutton led Detroit with 1,077 defensive snaps last season. As a result, his departure has created a significant void.
Teams should not necessarily want Peterson to play a big number of snaps in 2024. He turns 34 in July. However, he led the Steelers with 1,096 defensive snaps in 2023.
Peterson’s versatility at several spots might make him a late free agent target for Detroit.
Dave Holcomb is an NFL and MLB reporter for Heavy.com, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. Holcomb is originally from Pittsburgh and has written about collegiate and professional sports for Fansided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb.
