Why Patrick Peterson will have great impact on Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprising splash Monday when they agreed to sign veteran CB Patrick Peterson to a two-year, $14 million deal. It may have not been the move anyone was expecting, but Peterson has a lot to bring to Pittsburgh.

Peterson will be 33 at the start of next season, which worries some, but he knows he's still playing at a high level.

"I'm done talking about my age," Peterson said, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "The proof is in the pudding. I know I can still ball. I train different from everybody across the league."

The 12-year veteran is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He had a career-high 66 tackles as well as the second most interceptions (5) and passes defensed (15) in a season of his career.

The signing was also similar to one the team made in 2017 when it brought in veteran CB Joe Haden. Haden went onto have 10 interceptions and 54 passes defensed in his five years with the Steelers.

However, Haden was much more than just a playmaker on the field. He was a leader and mentor to many of Pittsburgh's young players.

That's exactly what Peterson brings to the Steelers, and it's even more important as Pittsburgh is likely to draft a rookie cornerback high in this year's draft.

The Steelers tied the 49ers with the most interceptions (20) in 2022. With the addition of Peterson, Pittsburgh's defense could reach new heights in 2023.