GM Eric DeCosta: 'I would expect' Marcus Peters to return to Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens were decimated by injuries throughout the 2021 NFL season and, truth be told, even before the campaign began. Two-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters was among the club's casualties before Week 1, as he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a practice leading up to the season opener. 

As Charean Williams noted for Pro Football Talk, the Ravens would save $10 million by releasing Peters and allowing him to hit free agency when the new league year opens next month. However, general manager Eric DeCosta poured cold water on that idea on Friday. 

"I love Marcus," DeCosta explained. "I talk to Marcus quite a bit. Marcus is one of these guys that, when he comes to the organization, he provides such an authentic perspective on what this game’s all about. And he’s a Raven. He’s one of these rare guys that’s played for other teams … that come in and really change the culture that you have. So I would expect Marcus to be here. I think he’s doing his rehab. I think he’s doing extremely well and I can’t wait to see him." 

Per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, head coach John Harbaugh told reporters Monday both Peters and fellow cornerback Marlon Humphrey are expected to return to the club for next season. Humphrey went down to a torn pectoral in Week 13. 

Peters is set to be out of contract after the 2022 season.