BREAKING NEWS: Steelers are expected to return a veteran cut candidate at a rate of “100 percent.”

Around the NFL, the first few weeks of the offseason are a common time for analysts to propose players for roster cuts. Patrick Peterson, the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ cornerback, ought to be among those cut candidates, according to a number of commentators.

On February 21, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic put paid to the idea that Peterson will be cut by the Steelers.

In response to a query about the likelihood that Peterson would return, Kaboly said, “I’d put it at a conservative 100 percent chance he returns.” “Leadership, experience, and position flexibility can be expensive. It would be intriguing if they had plans to relocate him to safety.

Peterson signed a two-year contract with the Steelers during the summer, and he will begin his second year in 2024. For the next season, he will have a $9.775 million cap hit.

He recorded 42 total tackles with 11 pass defenses, 2 interceptions, and a win in the 2023 campaign. In 2023, Peterson covered 97% of Pittsburgh’s defensive plays at different secondary positions.

In July, he will turn 34.

Will Patrick Peterson Join the Steelers Again?

Kaboly asserted that Peterson’s future in Pittsburgh has already been determined by the Steelers. On the surface, though, the organization must make a tough choice regarding the seasoned cornerback.

Peterson wasn’t the same All-Pro performer he was with the Arizona Cardinals ten years ago, despite being incredibly dependable and leading the Steelers defense in snaps.

He was mediocre, according to Pro Football Focus. Peterson had the third-worst PFF player grade among cornerbacks who played at least 80% of his team’s defensive snaps in 2023.

Peterson had a subpar first half of the season based on his PFF evaluations. November saw an improvement in his play, but the last three weeks of the season saw another decline.

Peterson started playing much more at safety in Week 15, something he had never done before. That could account for the decline in his PFF grades, at least in part.

He will probably still be used as a slot cornerback and safety at the age of 34. Thus, in order to warrant a cap charge in excess of $9 million, he will need to perform better at those positions.

But after yet another offseason of training at several spots, the Steelers might be ready to stake a wager on Peterson’s potential for improvement.

Peterson might potentially be retained for depth purposes alone. The cornerbacks Chandon Sullivan, Elijah Riley, James Pierre, and Levi Wallace of the Steelers are also unrestricted free agents.

Peterson Desires to Join the Steelers Again

The 13-year veteran seems to be aware of the chatter over his potential future in Pittsburgh among experts. On the February 15 edition of his podcast “All Things Covered,” Peterson discussed the issue.

“It’s unclear whether the Steelers want me to play for them until the end. “There’s a reason I signed a two-year contract,” Peterson stated.

On January 26, the seasoned cornerback made another hint to his future in a tweet.

Peterson wrote, “In control of my Destiny, Never in Doubt.”

“YEAR 13: I’m grateful! keeping on despite juggling multiple responsibilities. What’s going to happen next?

“Year 14… Be back shortly.

Peterson remained vague when asked if he would return to Pittsburgh. He will undoubtedly attempt to play elsewhere in 2024, though.

Not many Steelers insiders concur with Kaboly that Peterson’s presence in Pittsburgh is a given.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said on February 13 that the likelihood of Peterson’s departure, without a wage reduction, was “better than 50/50.”

Dave Holcomb is a sportswriter for Heavy.com who covers the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Holcomb, who is originally from Pittsburgh, has covered professional and collegiate sports for publications like Fansided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker. Additional information on Dave Holcomb

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