The Steelers made more cuts Monday to meet the salary cap ahead of free agency, but it’s still projected to top $7.44 million, meaning there could be more releases in the works that could take shape. 8-time Pro Bowler.That player is veteran CB Patrick Peterson, who signed a two-year, $14 million contract with Pittsburgh last offseason.
Peterson will be 34 when next season begins and will make nearly $10 million, per Spotrac.That’s too much money for a player who constantly threatens himself and his team and forces them into safe positions. Peterson believes a move to safety could extend his career, but the Steelers would save $6.85 million if they traded him.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks that will happen unless wages are cut. “It’s better than 50-50 not taking a pay cut to pay it back,” Fittipaldo said. “This is my analysis. I can’t imagine asking $10 million for someone who can’t play outside. “You can’t get a cover picture on a guy with a hybrid safety rotation.”Peterson showed why he was selected 5th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, totaling 42 tackles, 2 interceptions and 11 passes defensed. But he seems to be doing more harm than good, proving that his age has finally caught up with him.
Peterson was able to fill in at safety when injuries hit Pittsburgh, but he was still a liability for the team and had the highest field goal percentage of his career. Peterson faces a tough decision after the 13th season of his impressive NFL career. The Steelers will likely get him back in 2024 as he has been a great mentor to several young players. Of course, this only applies if you take a pay cut.
