Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson has been one of the best to ever do it in the NFL. He has lost a step or two in recent years, but he still has something to offer teams given his veteran savvy and high IQ making up for any athleticism that he has lost.
The 2021 season was a tough one for Peterson, but that could be because he was tasked with taking on the No. 1 role with the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota’s secondary was not great and Peterson was relied upon probably too much for this stage of his career.
At 32-years old, Peterson can likely be a starter for at least one or two more seasons before he transitions into a reserve role should he choose to. This is likely the last season he will be able to cash in on a good chunk of guaranteed money, but he is likely looking to compete for a Super Bowl that has eluded him throughout his career.
Which teams could present him the best chance to do all of that? Here are three teams that should pursue the future Hall of Famer in free agency.
3. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have shown they are not afraid to make a splash move if it gets them closer to winning a Super Bowl. They are on the cusp of doing so this season as they will be facing off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl 56.
Come the offseason, they will have some difficult decisions to make. They could be in need of a No. 2 cornerback depending on what happens with Darious Williams, whom the Rams placed a first-round tender on last season.
Williams has been solid as the No. 2 cornerback behind Jalen Ramsey but could look to leave for a more lucrative deal elsewhere. If the need arises, Patrick Peterson could be a great fit opposite of Ramsey.
Peterson is best suited to be the second corner on a depth chart and the Rams would be afforded the ability to give him help, should he need it, with Ramsey locking down the opposite side of the field.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have a sneaky need at the cornerback position this offseason. There are a few mock drafts that have them going with a cornerback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft as it could become an even bigger need soon.
Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey both went down with injuries in 2021, derailing what looked to be a promising season. Adding some experience to make sure the drop-off doesn’t occur again, Baltimore could explore bringing in a veteran such as Patrick Peterson.
Peterson wouldn’t be relied upon as the top cornerback and his presence would enable the Ravens to get a little more creative with the other players in their secondary.
1. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots could have a huge hole to fill in their secondary this offseason. J.C. Jackson, who has developed into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, is hitting free agency and looking to cash in.
Retaining him is key, but whether or not he is brought back, Patrick Peterson makes for a great target for New England. Peterson has been named a potential target for them already and the fit makes sense.
He has already expressed his willingness to move to safety, which is something that makes him even more intriguing for Bill Belichick. In need of depth in the secondary regardless of Jackson’s decision to stay or move on, Peterson would be a good addition for New England this offseason.
