The former first-round pick of the Cardinals in 2011 has enjoyed an illustrious career, arguably more so than any of the other remaining free-agent CBs. Peterson was voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons and made first-team All-Pro in three of his first five campaigns (twice as a corner, once as a punt returner). His 36 interceptions are the most among active players; last season, he logged two in 18 total games (17 starts) with the Steelers, playing at least 90 percent of defensive snaps in all but one contest. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s, Peterson might just have a gold jacket in his future.
All that gives the veteran some peace and clarity as he awaits his fate in free agency, like so many other aging defensive backs.
“If anything don’t happen after this year or me playing another season, I will say I’m one of the lucky ones to leave the game unscathed, not with any major injuries, able to have all of my limbs, no hip problems and things like that,” Peterson said. “Knock on wood, if the good Lord blesses me to play another year. But I was just thinking of that, having the ability — if it is the last ride — to walk away from the game healthy.”