Steelers release eight-time Pro Bowl defender ahead of free agency

The Steelers have had a busy start to the offseason, and that continued Friday when they announced the release of an eight-time Pro Bowl defender.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh is releasing veteran DB Patrick Peterson after just one season with the team.

Peterson signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Steelers last offseason, but parting ways with the 33-year-old saves them $7 million in salary cap space less than a week away from the start of free agency on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

Peterson lost a step during the 2023 season. Opposing teams typically targeted him, and it worked out for them most of the time. 

The 13-year veteran finished the year with 42 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed while also experimenting with a position change to safety.

In December, Peterson said he believed the move to safety could extend his career.

"I feel like this is a great move for me at this stage of my career," Peterson said. "We have good corners who can be a cornerstone for this team. This could be my second career."

However, if he hopes to continue playing, he will need to continue experimenting with his position change with a different team in 2024.

Pittsburgh already prioritized adding a corner and safety this offseason, but now, with Peterson's release, those holes become even more obvious.

Luckily for the Steelers, several big-name veterans have been released over the last week and are set to hit the open market. A few names to watch are cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Tre'Davious White and safeties Justin Simmons and Jamal Adams.

The 2024 NFL Draft will also serve as a good outlet for Pittsburgh to add to its cornerback room. Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell and Clemson's Nate Wiggins are among the top prospects.