Steelers Have Quick Fix To Defensive Issue: 'I Can Guard Whoever's Number 2 Or 3 Receiver'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to get a better look at the way the roster and depth chart will pan out after the first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). So far, there has been noticeable differences on the offense under new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. All the new acquisitions on the roster seem to be fitting in well, however Pittsburgh may need to make more moves to solidify the defensive side of the ball. Throughout the first week of OTAs, Josiah Scott was the team's starting slot cornerback, which is a strong indicator that General Manager Omar Khan will need to look to upgrade the position.

Scott has been on and off of various teams' practice squads over the last few seasons, and he shouldn't be relied upon to be the team's starter. There are a few options available in free agency, like Adoree' Jackson or a familiar face in Patrick Peterson. Peterson spent the 2023 season with Pittsburgh, and mostly played as an outside corner, but eventually moved to safety due to the position group being depleted because of injuries. 

In the most recent episode of All Things Covered, Peterson told his co-host, Bryant McFadden, that he is open to being brought back as the back up or starting slot corner.

"It don't necessarily have to be a starting situation because I understand the way the league is going. As far as a backup role, it would have to be like a nickel position because I feel like I can excel at a nickel position. I feel like I can guard whoever's number two or three receiver in the slot position of a defense. I feel like over the course of the year I started to get more and more comfortable with the assignments."

Peterson was initially one of the Steelers' starting outside cornerbacks in 2023. As the season went along, Joey Porter Jr. started to emerge as a solid outside cornerback that could follow the opposing team's best receiver. This forced Peterson to take on a different role. Peterson began playing in the slot, and also started a few games at safety as Minkah Fitzpatrick and Keanu Neal suffered injuries. Damontae Kazee also got suspended, which left a glaring need at the position.

Peterson has a ton of experience in the NFL, and should be considered a valuable veteran presence in the locker room. He spent his time with Pittsburgh in 2023 playing every position in the secondary, so he has an exceptional grasp on the defensive scheme and coverages. He could easily be added to this roster and start over Scott, who seems to be the current front runner for the slot corner position.

Even if Peterson joins the Steelers as a backup slot cornerback, he should give the defensive coaches some piece of mind knowing that he has the versatility to play everywhere in the defensive backfield. Peterson played over 200 snaps at slot cornerback in 2023. If Pittsburgh can't find a better external option it should be a no-brainer bringing Peterson back into the mix. 

Steelers Former Cornerback Has Shown A Clear Desire To Return To Pittsburgh

Peterson hasn't been keeping his plans for the upcoming season a secret. He wants to come back to the Steelers, as he has been stating his case to return ever since he was released. His main selling points are his versatility in the defensive backfield, and being a strong veteran mentor for Porter Jr. 

There was no malice behind Peterson's release, as the two parties are still on very good terms. Peterson shared that he is still in communication with Head Coach Mike Tomlin and some of the players on the team. He was released because he simply wasn't living up to the level of his contract, which was set to pay him over $7 million during the 2024 season. If Pittsburgh decides to bring Peterson back, it will be on a cheaper deal that is more team friendly.