Patrick Peterson has request for teams looking to sign him

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines in early March with a decision that left many fans and analysts surprised: the release of the eight-time Pro Bowl defensive back Patrick Peterson. Despite his illustrious 13-season career in the NFL, Peterson spent just one year with the Steelers. At 33 years old, the seasoned veteran had begun to show signs of slowing down as a cornerback, prompting a transition to safety—an adjustment often pursued by aging players seeking to extend their time on the field.

While Peterson's departure from Pittsburgh stirred speculation, head coach Mike Tomlin has kept the door slightly ajar for a potential return. However, amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, Peterson has made a significant request not only to the Steelers but also to any team considering his services for the upcoming 2024 season. This request was made clear on NFL on Fox on Thursday.

“I don’t want to start at safety because that’s a different animal back there, a different view. If that is the case, I would need to be warned going into the season to get my body, my mental prepared. Because it’s different being at safety from a cornerback position having those open-field tackles. And you’re the last line of defense. So if that is something, I would need notice and probably get one of those old-time safeties like a Ed Reed and or [Troy] Polamalu or somebody to coach me up.”

Although Peterson successfully transitioned to the safety position with the Steelers towards the latter part of the season, his openness to the change stemmed from a strong desire to prolong his NFL career. However, he now emphasizes the importance of ample notice if such a shift is to be considered. 

Peterson highlights the need for sufficient time to hone his skills, expressing a desire to learn from legendary figures such as former Steelers arch-rival Ed Reed or iconic Steelers safety Troy Polamalu—both renowned Hall of Famers. Peterson isn't dismissing the idea of playing safety. Rather, he underscores the necessity of a substantial preparation period to excel in the role. Peterson continued to talk about when he believes he will be signed by a team.

“At this stage now, the draft is around the corner. Teams are still trying to build their roster, but at the same time, you want to make sure that whatever team that you’re going to, you’re not getting any BS. I think a lot more signings are probably going to happen towards after the draft once teams really understand what they have on the roster and what they may need to continue to improve their rosters.”

Peterson's post-Steelers journey has seen him engaged in discussions with several NFL teams, although he has opted not to disclose specific details regarding these negotiations. However, it's clear that the Steelers remain a prominent contender, given Peterson's previous remarks and the comments made by Tomlin. 

This ongoing dialogue underscores the mutual interest between Peterson and the Steelers, hinting at the potential for a reunion on the gridiron. As speculation swirls regarding Peterson's next destination, the intrigue surrounding his future in the NFL continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.

“Me and my agent have had conversations with a couple of teams, nothing really serious thus far. But there has been conversations, and like I said, we’ll see what happens in the next couple months.”

Throughout the 2023 season, Peterson was a mainstay in the Steelers' starting lineup, starting 16 out of 17 games. His impact on the field was undeniable, tallying two interceptions and disrupting 11 passes with his adept defensive skills.

As Peterson astutely noted, the timing of his potential acquisition hinges greatly on the outcomes of the upcoming draft. It's widely acknowledged that the Steelers have pressing needs at wide receiver and center, priorities that may take precedence in their draft strategy. While the acquisition of defensive back Donte Jackson via trade has bolstered their secondary, the team remains vigilant in its pursuit of further reinforcements. 

The presence of a seasoned leader like Peterson could prove invaluable, offering both guidance and a competitive edge to the Steelers' defensive unit. As the draft unfolds and offseason maneuvers take shape, the attention of Steeler Nation will undoubtedly remain fixated on the developments surrounding Peterson's potential return to the team.