Steelers Release Patrick Peterson
p/c: Kevin Sabitus
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson is being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move saves Pittsburgh $6.85 million in cap space.
After losing CB Cam Sutton to the Detroit Lions last offseason, the Steelers brought in Peterson as his replacement on a two-year deal for $14 million.
A former All-Pro, Peterson struggled as an outside CB during the first half of 2023. It wasn’t until late in the season that he performed decently better, once he was moved to an inside CB role.
With injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson, as well as the Damontae Kazee suspension in December, Peterson found himself playing safety, for the first time in his 13-year NFL career.
In 17 games, Peterson recorded a pair of interceptions, while posting a 91.5 passer rating against.
Even with the league’s significant cap increase, for all 32 teams, it still remained unlikely that Pittsburgh would hang onto Peterson’s 2024 salary, which was just a little more than $9.7 million.
Perhaps there was the thought that the Steelers would have Peterson accept a pay cut, and re-sign for less. However, Because Peterson can no longer play the outside, and has minimal experience at safety, it’s clear that the team wants a true, strong safety, who can play at a high level. This offseason’s free agent class for safeties is very deep with talent.