CB Patrick Peterson agree to 2-year deal with Pittsburgh Steelers

Source says, the free agent cornerback Patrick Peterson has signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Peterson, who will turn 33 this late spring, enjoyed the beyond two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings following 10 years with the Arizona Cardinals in a stretch that included eight Star Bowl billets and three Every single Master honor.

Peterson said on his podcast “All Things Covered” on Monday that the Steelers’ interest “came out of left field” with former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden.

A source says that Peterson will take over for longtime cornerback Cameron Sutton, who signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions earlier on Monday. Peterson is older than the typical free agent signing for the Steelers.

Peterson, a 12-year veteran, stated on his podcast that he hoped to play in the NFL for 14 years. The goal is for him to spend the rest of his career with the Steelers, so he signed a two-year deal in Pittsburgh.

“Pittsburgh is one of the more storied franchises in the league, and why not want to be a part of something like that to finish off my career,” Peterson said. Later, he added: “If we’re able to iron out the details and the years that I would like in this contract … I don’t perceive myself moving around anymore after this contract, for the most part.”

When Peterson played for the Vikings, he participated in two distinct schemes. One, under previous mentor Mike Zimmer, required a somewhat high pace of press-man inclusion. The other, implemented by Kevin O’Connell, the new coach, and managed by Ed Donatell, the defensive coordinator, put him in a new role as a zone roamer who could anticipate passes and jump routes for big plays.

As a result, Peterson had the second-highest season total of his career, five interceptions, in 2022. His return to the role of playmaker delighted him.

“All I heard the last two years is that ‘He’s washed up, he’s done,'” Peterson said at midseason. “… I’ve been here before — I know how to keep it. And I want to continue being challenged and continue helping this team win ballgames. Because I promise you this, if I get challenged, I will show up on the stat sheet. And that’s why I’ve been missing out on Pro Bowls and All-Pros. I’m here. Twelve years in and I’m still standing strong.”

After the season, O’Connell fired Donatell and hired Brian Flores in his place. Flores’s scheme involves more blitzing and, as a result, a higher rate of man defense, which would have been perfect for Peterson earlier in his career.

In 12 NFL seasons, Peterson has accumulated 610 tackles, 111 passes defended, and 34 interceptions.

Although Peterson stated that he has not yet been assigned a role with the Steelers, he anticipates being utilized in ways comparable to those of Sutton and former cornerback Joe Haden.

Peterson wore No. despite saying that he hasn’t picked a Steelers jersey number yet. 7 – – Ben Roethlisberger’s old number – – in Minnesota and during secondary school. Also, he wore No. 21 in Arizona and the number 2 through JV football.

“I would love to rock No. 7,” Peterson said. “Seven has always been special to me.”