Eight-time Pro Bowler questions why 'so many high-caliber' DBs are still free agents

For the most part, the free agent market has been picked through, with most positions' top players already on their new teams.

However, two positions have several highly experienced players available: cornerback and safety.

That has forced one of them, eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson, to speak his mind.

"What do you think it is about the corners and the safety market at this day and age," Peterson asked on the "All Things Covered" podcast. "We know it's a passing league, right? Why do you see so many high-caliber guys who've played at a high level, defensive backs, still free agents?"

Among the top available players are cornerbacks Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore and Adoree' Jackson and safeties Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons and Eddie Jackson.

Peterson likely includes himself on that list, but most Steelers fans would disagree after the 2023 season, during which he was constantly picked on by opposing teams.

The same could be said about the rest of the players, too, which is likely why they are still free agents. 

All are no longer in their prime, with the youngest among them being Jackson and Adams, who are each 28, and the oldest being Gilmore and Peterson, who are 33.

That hasn't stopped Peterson from making his case that he should be on a team this season.

"I can be your second and third corner and your nickel for sure," Peterson said. "It is not about the money at this point, I just want to have an opportunity to win a championship."

Whether Peterson gets that chance to play his 14th season in the NFL remains debatable, but it would be surprising if most, if not all, of the names above, get another opportunity before Week 1 kicks off.

The question is: When will they get that opportunity, with training camps set to open later this month?