Former $70 million defensive back linked to the Lions

In NFL free agency last year, the Detroit Lions signed former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton. The Lions, who now need to replace Sutton, may choose to target Patrick Peterson, a former Steelers defensive back, in free agency, according to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report.

Ballentine identified the three-time All-Pro cornerback as a possible fit for the Lions.

In an effort to save money, the Pittsburgh Steelers benched the three-time All-Pro. But he participated in every one of the Steelers’ 17 games last season, starting sixteen of them, and surrendering only 7.7 yards per target, according to Ballentine.

Toward the end of the season, he also added a fascinating chapter to his career by working as a safety contractor.

“Peterson demonstrated enough to have a chance at the corner, but the potential to play safety

makes signing him more secure.

Peterson agreed to a 5-year, $70 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals when his rookie contract ran out. He was named to the first team All-Pro three times in his first five seasons.

Peterson also had eight Pro Bowl appearances in a row, starting with his debut campaign in 2011.

Peterson has been a member of the Minnesota Vikings and Steelers for the last three seasons. In 17 regular season games last year, he recorded 42 total tackles, 11 pass defenses, and 2 interceptions while playing for Pittsburgh.

How the Lions Could Use Patrick Peterson
Peterson has changed as a player throughout the years. He last appeared in a Pro Bowl in 2018, and he hasn’t been selected to the All-Pro team since 2015.

However, he might still be able to offer strong depth even

as a starter for a team that was in the running, like the Lions.

In his lone season with the Steelers last autumn, Peterson had a mixed bag overall. He occasionally had a lot of trouble tackling.

But occasionally, he can still provide solid coverage. Additionally, he wouldn’t have to square up against the best receiver on the other team in Detroit, unlike as he did in Pittsburgh during the first half of 2023. The new Lions cornerback Carlton Davis ought to take up that role.

The main reason the Steelers cut Peterson this offseason was because they didn’t think he was worth the expected $9 million or more in salary hit he was owed. Given his expertise and versatility, Peterson is a compelling option for Detroit on a more favorable contract.

Peterson may begin opposite Davis or offer assistance.

Brian Branch, nickel cornerback, covers the slot. In 2023, Peterson also started playing safety, and he’s willing to do so more this year.

The Lions are looking for a CB to take Cameron Sutton’s place.
The Lions acquired veteran cornerback Amik Robertson in free agency this offseason in addition to trading for Davis. Additionally, they re-signed Emmanuel Moseley and Khalil Dorsey.

It seems like the Lions added enough depth at cornerback with those signings in front of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Sutton was released by the Lions on March 21.

Detroit and Sutton broke up the day after Sutton was the focus of a police raid, according to a Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office press release dated March 20.

The Lions added cornerbacks in Davis and Robertson.

who will be able to perform well in 2024. But in 1,077 defensive snaps during the previous season, Sutton led Detroit. Thus, there’s a pretty big void left by his disappearance.

Peterson shouldn’t necessarily be a big snapper for teams in 2024. In July, he turns 34. However, he had the most defensive snaps (1,096 in 2023) for the Steelers.

Due to his versatility and ability to play a variety of positions, Peterson may be a late free agent target for Detroit.

Dave Holcomb is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers while covering MLB and the NFL. 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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