PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers released eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson on Friday.
Signed in free agency a year ago, Peterson, 33, played in all 17 of Pittsburgh's games last season -- starting 16 of them -- and started in the team's playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. A vaunted cornerback for most of his 13-year NFL career, Peterson was most valuable to the Steelers as a versatile defensive back and filled in at safety late in the season when injuries and a suspension decimated the position.
"Coming into this season into year 13, I knew obviously I couldn't hit those 21 miles per anymore," Peterson said in December. "And I knew it was going to have to eventually be an evolving door that I would have to walk through. It just so happened that injuries started a pileup on us at the safety position and Coach Grady [Brown] and Coach [Mike] Tomlin told me coming in that they wanted to explore me in different positions, and I'd be doggone it happened."
Peterson had two interceptions with the Steelers and recorded 11 passes defended and 42 combined tackles.
Peterson. who turns 34 this year, initially signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Steelers in 2023. Releasing him saves the Steelers $7 million against the cap.
Upon signing with the Steelers, Peterson expressed a desire to be a versatile defensive weapon, moving from outside corner to slot to safety. He was also valuable as a mentor for rookie Joey Porter Jr., who was voted the team's rookie of the year and was a finalist for rookie defensive player of the year.
"I just want to continue passing on nuggets to him," Peterson said. "Continue to help him being a pro, find his regimen, find his routine so once next year comes rolling around, he could hit the ground running and finish the season off where he left."
With Peterson's release, the Steelers' void at cornerback becomes even more obvious. Porter Jr. is the lone returning starter with both Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan hitting free agency. Second-year player Cory Trice Jr., though, could be a factor after tearing his ACL in training camp a year ago.