Patrick Peterson Open to Steelers Return, With One Condition

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be evaluating every position for the next several weeks, and one name that could shape their secondary - whether it be a return or a release - is Patrick Peterson. 

Peterson is set to return for the 2024 season, which he believes could be his last. He's set to hold a salary cap hit of $10 million, which could make him an option to be released, but he's open to staying - with one condition. 

During a recent episode of his podcast All Things Covered, Peterson said he's ready to play for Pittsburgh again this season, but will not play one role for the team. 

"You know I want to (keep playing). The question is if the Steelers want me to finish with them," Peterson said. "Me and Coach Tomlin had a great conversation after the season. Obviously, I know that you have to go through your evaluations in the draft and free agency and things like that, but for me, what I was able to do in Year 13 playing different positions, coming into a new environment. I felt my season was very successful playing 97 percent of my snaps…As you saw this year, I’m open to playing wherever, whenever. Wherever I can be to help the team, I’m all for it. Except for the bench."

For $10 million, it's unlikely Peterson is going to ride the bench during the 2024 season, and with his veteran presence, Pittsburgh would likely look to keep him active on the field. A better question would be where? 

Peterson could be moved to safety on a full-time basis this upcoming season after spending the latter part of the year at the position to fill in for injuries. The Steelers could also look for another starting cornerback to work alongside Joey Porter Jr. if Peterson does make the transition. 

Either way, it's hard to see Peterson being a bench player. He may not be the starter he was in 2023, but he'll almost definitely have a significant role on the defense.