For the significant part of his NFL career, Patrick Peterson has stood tall among the most acclaimed cornerbacks in the industry.
Now, at 33, Peterson is set to captivate audiences in a brand new role a move that breathes fresh air into his career.
With safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson temporarily off-field due to injuries, and Damontae Kazee sidelined by suspension, the Steelers have been left short-handed in the secondary.
Enter Patrick Peterson, primed for his first start as a free safety against the Bengals. Peterson’s entrance into the world of free safety is not one borne of necessity, but an exciting opportunity both for Peterson and for the Steelers team.
The NFL superstar met this announcement of positional change with genuine eagerness, expressing his readiness for the league’s challenges as a free safety.
“I feel like this is a great move for me at this stage of my career,” he said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “We have good corners who can be a cornerstone for this team. This could be my second career.”
Peterson has proven, time and again, that he can do more than hold his weight as a cornerback. Steelers’ Coach Mike Tomlin admits that Peterson’s ability to transcend positional boundaries played a part in Pittsburgh’s decision to sign him.
“Position flexibility and his willingness and ability to do that really has allowed us to function,” Tomlin said. “But given a normal cycle in terms of preparedness, it’s going to be less of an issue.”
Patrick Peterson glad to move to free safety, thinks it can extend his career. https://t.co/UaqeV8Oo8s
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 23, 2023
His versatile skill set makes him a formidable weapon to have in the line-up, no matter where.
With Peterson stepping up in his new role, the Steelers stand poised to fight for their playoff lives. Going up against the Bengals, the game represents more than just an ordinary encounter – it’s a fight for survival.
