Steelers to release veteran DB Patrick Peterson،
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers released eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson on Friday.
Signed in free agency a year ago, Peterson, 33, played in all 17 games for Pittsburgh last season – including 16 starts – and started in the team's playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. A vaunted cornerback for most of his 13-year NFL career, Peterson was most valuable to the Steelers as a versatile defensive back and filled in at safety late in the season when injuries and suspension decimated the post.
“At the start of this season, in Grade 13, I obviously knew I couldn't hit those 21 miles anymore,” Peterson said in December. “And I knew that was eventually going to be an evolutionary door that I would have to walk through. It just so happened that the injuries started a pileup on us at the safety position and Coach Grady [Brown] and coach [Mike] Tomlin told me when we arrived that they wanted to explore me in different positions, and I would have been furious if that happened.”
Peterson threw two interceptions for the Steelers and recorded 11 passes defensed and 42 combined tackles.
Peterson. who turns 34 this year, originally signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Steelers in 2023. Releasing him will save the Steelers $7 million against the cap.
Upon signing with the Steelers, Peterson expressed a desire to be a versatile defensive weapon, moving from outside corner to slot to safety. He was also valuable as a mentor to rookie Joey Porter Jr., who was voted the team's Rookie of the Year and a finalist for Rookie Defensive Player of the Year.
“I just want to keep passing on nuggets to him,” Peterson said. “Continue to help him become a pro, find his diet, find his routine so that once next year comes around, he can hit the ground running and finish the season where he left off.”
With Peterson's release, the Steelers' void at cornerback becomes even more evident. Porter Jr. is the only returning starter, with Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan hitting free agency. Second-year player Cory Trice Jr. could be a factor, however, after tearing his ACL in training camp a year ago.
