Steelers Star Patrick Peterson Delivers heartfelt Message on His NFL Future
On January 25, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson tweeted on his NFL future.
There is little question that seasoned cornerback Patrick Peterson will be back for the 2024 NFL season. However, Peterson didn’t seem to be entirely sure that it will be with the Pittsburgh Steelers in his most recent tweet.
Peterson addressed his NFL future on his X (formerly Twitter) account on January 25.
“In control of my Destiny, Never in Doubt..,” wrote Peterson.
“YEAR 13, Thank You!!! Continuing to persevere while balancing various roles. What lies ahead?
“Year 14… Be Back soon…”
Peterson spent his first season with the Steelers during 2023. It produced mixed results.
Patrick Peterson Under Contract for the 2024 Season: The Steelers signed Peterson to a two-year contract last offseason; the deal was backloaded, which helped Pittsburgh create more salary cap space for 2023, but the team will pay for it now. In 2023, Peterson held a $4.225 million cap hit. It’s difficult to speculate, but if the veteran had that cap hit again next season, he’d have a much better chance of staying on the team. Meanwhile, rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. looked up to Peterson, who mentored him during his tenure.
But instead, Peterson’s cap hit will more than double for 2024.
However, considering the depth the Steelers lack at cornerback for the upcoming season, removing Peterson surely isn’t a given, especially this early in the summer. In March, fellow cornerbacks James Pierre, Chandler Sullivan, Elijah Riley, and Levi Wallace will also be available as free agents.
Porter is the only cornerback for the Steelers with a contract that has played more than 50 defensive snaps in 2023, aside from Peterson.
Peterson may continue to play a part for the Steelers at safety if they manage to acquire more depth at cornerback.In an attempt to extend his career, Peterson brought up the notion of moving to safety at the end of December.
Due to injuries and a suspension the Steelers experienced at the position, Peterson played some safety towards the end of the regular season.
Why Peterson is a Potential Cut Candidate.
Nevertheless, it appears that Peterson’s deal represents the end of any debate over his future in Pittsburgh. If the veteran cornerback is gone, the Steelers may save $6.85 million against the salary cap.
As of January 26, the Steelers were over $14 million over the salary cap, according to Spotrac. To create space for free agents, the organization will need to restructure contracts or make big layoffs.
Peterson’s cap hit would be retained more likely if he was assured of a seamless transition to safety. But Peterson didn’t perform well at safety, according to his Pro Football Focus player grades.
Additionally, it is not anticipated that the Steelers will be lacking depth at safety in 2024.For the 2024 season, contracts are in place for Montae Kazee, Trenton Thompson, Keanu Neal, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Veteran safety Eric Rowe, who was an important part of the team’s practice squad at the end of the season, is another option Pittsburgh might look into re-signing.
Peterson’s future is uncertain as a result of everything. It looked like he posted that doubt on social media.
Sports writer Dave Holcomb writes about the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers for Heavy.com. Holcomb, who is originally from Pittsburgh, has covered professional and collegiate sports for publications like Fansided, Rotowire, and Yardbarker.Additional information on Dave Holcomb
