THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Marcus Peters is entering the final season of his rookie contract, but don't expect the Los Angeles Rams cornerback to entertain discussions about a pending payday.
As Peters walked off the field after a recent practice at organized team activities, he was greeted by a throng of reporters. Peters joked about a burgeoning career as a weathercaster, after a video of him standing in as a local weatherman during a news broadcast in Hawaii went viral. He also spoke about the "grown man stuff" going on his life, as he stayed home at the outset of the offseason program for the birth of his child.
But when it came to questions about the status of his contract, and the extension he will seek, Peters avoided bogging himself down in a conversation about money and the potential of a record-breaking deal.
"I want to get to the Super Bowl and win it this time -- that's what I want to break, really," said Peters, who is scheduled to earn $9 million this season. "All the rest of the stuff will take care of itself."
Rams general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay have expressed a desire to keep Peters around after they used a second- and fourth-round pick to acquire him from the Kansas City Chiefs -- and after Peters showed marked improvement in the second half of last season.
"One of the things that I think says as much about Marcus as anything is the ability to overcome some adversity early on," McVay said. "He stayed the course, he took accountability and I thought he played his best ball towards the end of the year."
In Weeks 1 through 9, Peters, as the nearest defender, allowed a completion rate of 70 percent, coupled with a 141.4 quarterback rating, seven touchdowns and an interception, according to NFL Next Gen Stats research.
But after Week 9's marked low against the New Orleans Saints, in which Saints receiver Michael Thomas caught a game-winning 72-yard touchdown pass over Peters, his play steadily improved.
In Week 10 through the Super Bowl, Peters allowed a completion rate of 64 percent and a quarterback rating of 46.0, he did not allow a touchdown and he intercepted two passes, according to NFL Next Gen Stats data.
Peters finished the regular season with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and eight pass deflections.
"The way he finished up, we just want to see him continue to pick up where he left off," McVay said.
However, if Peters' pace of play continues, he could command a deal that would stretch the Rams' budget. They currently have a lot of money tied up in the contracts of running back Todd Gurley, who was guaranteed $45 million as part of a four-year, $60 million extension signed last July, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who is guaranteed $87 million over a six-year, $135 million extension.
The Rams also must maintain room in their salary cap to pay quarterback Jared Goff, who is entering his fourth season and will be due a sizable deal by next summer.
The Miami Dolphins' Xavien Howard, who has 11 interceptions in three seasons, reset the market for cornerbacks last month when he signed a record-breaking five-year, $76.5 million extension.
Peters' price tag could be in line with Howard's, if it doesn't actually top it.
In four seasons, Peters has a league-best 22 interceptions, including three returned for scores. He has deflected 63 passes, has forced five fumbles and has five fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown.
"When you play good, usually you're rewarded; that's the goal, that usually means individual success, as well as the team's success," said Snead, who also confirmed that the franchise tag was an option. "So, definitely playing good helps his cause and our cause."
Peters, who will again line up across the field from veteran corner Aqib Talib (also entering the final season of his contract), shook his head when asked if he had a time frame in mind for an extension.
"Nah, we don't play the Super Bowl until February 2020, so you feel me?" he said. "Trying to get back there. But other than that, the rest of it is going to take care of itself."
McVay said that negotiations with Peters have not begun. They are expected to engage in discussions following the conclusion of the offseason program.
When asked what it meant to him that McVay told reporters he wanted Peters to be around a long time, Peters grinned.
"The only thing I can do is come in and do my job and be the best teammate ... be the best player I can be on the field, and the rest of that stuff will take care of itself," Peters said. "It feels good to hear it, but other than that, when it takes care of itself, it takes care of itself. I'm not really too much worried about it."