The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded the 2024 regular season with a disappointing 10-7 record following a tough Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The defeat marked the team’s fourth consecutive loss and left lingering questions
about the team’s readiness for the postseason. The Steelers now prepare to face their AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, in the Wild Card Round at M&T Bank Stadium.
Pittsburgh’s recent slump has highlighted weaknesses in its defense, particularly in the secondary. Over the past four games, the unit has allowed a surge of explosive plays, exposing the need for reinforcements at cornerback.
Second-year player Joey Porter Jr. has shown potential but struggled with inconsistency throughout his sophomore campaign. Meanwhile, Donte Jackson, the other starting boundary corner, has also faced challenges, leaving the Steelers with a lack of high-end talent and depth in the position group.
With the playoffs looming, the Steelers face limited options to address their defensive vulnerabilities. Free agency is not expected to offer any game-changing solutions, but
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has suggested a familiar name for a potential postseason boost: veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson.
Peterson, a three-time All-Pro, spent the 2023 season with the Steelers and proved to be a reliable contributor. Playing in all 17 games with 16 starts, Peterson showcased his versatility by splitting time between cornerback and safety.
Despite being released in March, the 34-year-old posted solid numbers last year, including two interceptions, a 53.2% completion rate allowed on 62 targets, and an 88.8 passer rating when targeted.
“Cornerback Patrick Peterson has been available since the Pittsburgh Steelers released him in March,” Knox wrote. “A return to Pittsburgh for insurance purposes would make a ton of sense.”
While Peterson is past his prime and has not played this season, his veteran presence and familiarity with the Steelers’ system could provide much-needed depth and leadership in the secondary. With rosters for playoff teams freezing at 4 p.m. EST on January 8, the Steelers must act quickly if they wish to make this move.
The decision to bring Peterson back would hinge on Pittsburgh’s assessment of his readiness to contribute after nearly a year away from the game. However, his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary and his postseason experience make him an intriguing option for the Steelers’ playoff run.
As Pittsburgh gears up for a challenging Wild Card matchup against a divisional rival, the team’s ability to address its defensive struggles could be the key to advancing in the postseason. Whether or not Peterson rejoins the fold, the Steelers will need to find ways to shore up their secondary if they hope to make a deep playoff run.