Looking to solidify the cornerback position for several seasons now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made yet another addition to their depth chart for next season. This time, it’s an eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, with Patrick Peterson signing to play for Mike Tomlin next season.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it is a two-year contract for Peterson, who turns 33 in July. After ten seasons where he earned All-Pro honors three times with the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson joined the Minnesota Vikings for the past two seasons.
- Patrick Peterson stats last season: 66 TKL (3 TFL), 5 INT, 15 PD
Now, the future Hall of Fame cornerback will join his third NFL franchise, albeit one with a legendary past when it comes to defensive units. The Steelers had a large need at the cornerback position after ranking 19th in passing yards allowed in addition to letting up the fifth-most touchdowns through the air last season.
While Peterson has not made the Pro Bowl in any of the past four seasons, those who suggest he’s washed up may be surprised to learn he was still the 12th-ranked cornerback per Pro Football Focus last season. Peterson is also the NFL’s current interception leader among active players after Devin McCourty announced his retirement, though P2 is actually tied with former teammate Vikings Harrison Smith at 34 passes picked off.
Now he’ll bring 184 games of starting experience to a secondary that also features ballhawk safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.