Although former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back and current NFL free agent Patrick Peterson is undoubtedly nearing the end of his playing days, he has stated that he would like to play football one more. After being cut by the Steelers three weeks ago, Peterson thinks he still has it in him to provide a defensive-minded player who can be a productive addition to any team.
During his appearance on the “NFL on Fox” podcast, Peterson disclosed to the hosts that he and his agency had “conversations” with multiple NFL teams. The former eight-time Pro Bowler would go on to say that nothing serious is happening right now and that he is hopeful for further progress “in the next couple of months.”
Speaking on Thursday on the aforementioned podcast, Peterson stated, “I think a lot more signings are going to happen toward after the draft, once teams really understand what they have on their roster and what they may need to continue to improve their rosters.” That’s when I think more guys will start to get picked up. My representative and I have spoken with a few teams. There have been talks, but nothing more substantial as of yet. We’ll see what transpires over the following few months, as I mentioned.
Peterson believes he still has a lot of energy to give it.
With eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, three times as a member of the NFL All-Pro first team, and numerous successful seasons under his belt, Peterson possesses a wealth of intangibles that make him a valuable addition to any NFL roster. Peterson asserted that despite criticism that he is a throwback, he still has “a lot left in the tank and can provide” other qualities like playmaking and leadership.
“I think I still have a lot in the tank and can help any team that wants me on their roster by being a playmaker as well as a leader,” Peterson remarked. “I’m just taking it day by day at this point and stage in my career, going through the free-agent process.”
Peterson is unwilling to begin at the safety
The 33-year-old switched positions with the Steelers during the last campaign, going from cornerback to safety. Although some could assign those positions to the secondary, Peterson insisted that he doesn’t want to take any chances because the situation is “different back there.”