The Green Bay Packers are still seeking to improve their secondary, and Patrick Peterson, a seasoned defensive back, might be a great fit for the storied team.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report evaluated the greatest fits for the top veterans who are still free agents on March 30. Names included Odell Beckham Jr., Xavien Howard, and Peterson.
Ballentine explained what makes Peterson a logical fit for the Packers.
“Peterson showed enough that he should get a shot at corner, but the possibility of playing safety makes him a safer signing,” Ballentine wrote. “The Packers—who could use help at corner and safety—would make a lot of sense. A return to the Steelers shouldn’t be ruled out either.”
Given the Packers needs heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, adding a veteran defensive back like Peterson would be an ideal signing for Green Bay.
Patrick Peterson’s NFL Career
His best playing days may be behind him, but Peterson has already carved out his place in NFL history.
Peterson, a former unanimous All-American at LSU, was selected fifth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He made an early impact on the squad as a rookie, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl accolades and tying an NFL record with four punt return touchdowns.
Peterson played 10 seasons for the Cardinals before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. He had a disappointing first season with his new team, but then turned things around in 2022, recording five interceptions and 15 pass breakups, both career highs since 2012.
That turnaround helped Peterson land a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead to the start of the 2023 season. After being dismissed this offseason, the 33-year-old only served one year of his contract.
At 33 years old, Peterson is nearing the end of his career, but his career speaks for itself. He’s a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team with three first-team All-Pro honors and eight Pro Bowl selections. That kind of resume could make Peterson a veteran leader for a team like the Packers.
The Packers Need Another Safety
Green Bay’s cornerback room could use more depth, but the Packers’ most pressing need is at safety.
The Packers signed Xavier McKinney to a four-year, $68 million contract as a future star in their secondary. However, other from him, there isn’t really another starting-caliber option on the team. Anthony Johnson Jr. and Benny Sapp III are among the other safeties currently under contract.
General manager Brian Gutekunst is likely to look to the 2024 NFL Draft to fix the safety problem. However, having a veteran safety act as a mentor in a rotational position could also be beneficial.
In an offseason interview, Peterson stated that he would be willing to play safety in 2024, but only if given advance notice. If that’s the case, the Packers might want to contact the eight-time Pro Bowler to see if he’d be interested in a lower short-term deal to relocate to Green Bay.
