Steelers, vet CB Patrick Peterson agree to two-year deal

Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson. Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers agree to two-year deal with veteran CB Patrick Peterson

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/13/23

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have started the day losing their top cornerback to the Detroit Lions, but they’re closing out the day adding one of the top available corners in free agency.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers have agreed to terms with former Minnesota Viking Patrick Peterson on a two-year deal.

Steelers gave former Vikings’ CB Patrick Peterson a two-year contract, per source. He wanted to play at least two more seasons, so contract matches his wishes.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023

Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, spent the last two seasons with the Vikings, totaling six interceptions and 12 pass breakups while allowing a completion percentage of just 59.1, per Pro Football Focus.

Peterson, who’s recorded multiple interceptions in 10 of his 12 seasons and allowed a completion percentage higher than 60% just twice, should give the Pittsburgh secondary a shot in the arm.

Patrick Peterson's 34 career interceptions are tied with Harrison Smith for the most of any active player.

His 5 Int last season were his most since 2012.

The Steelers tied the 49ers for the league lead with 20 interceptions last season. https://t.co/WsWVWNNEOS
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 13, 2023

The Steelers ranked 19th against the pass in 2022, allowing the second-most touchdown passes (29) while surrendering 222.3 yards passing per game and tying for the fourth-most yards per pass attempt allowed (seven). They did, however, tie for the most interceptions in the league (20).

Peterson joins a depleted cornerback group in Pittsburgh that lost Sutton as well as Akhello Witherspoon, James Pierre and Josh Jackson to free agency.

Levi Wallace and Arthur Maulet are the only other CBs the Steelers have under contract for 2023. The duo combined for just 757 coverage snaps, 11 forced incompletions, eight pass breakups and five interceptions this season.

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