Patrick Peterson is heading to the Steelers in one of the more surprising moves of NFL free agency.
The three-time All-Pro cornerback agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal (5.85 million guarenteed) with Pittsburgh, according multiple reports.
Peterson will replace longtime Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton, who agreed to a three-year contract with the Lions on Monday.
The 12-year veteran heading to the Steel City is a bit stunning after he talked glowingly of the Bengals and Cowboys on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” released on Monday – also mentioning the Eagles.
He also made it sound on the show that chasing an elusive Super Bowl ring was important to him.
“I’m playing for jewelry at this period in my career,” Peterson said. “I want to be able to be with the team that’s going to be in the position that’s going to be in the playoffs.
“That’s the first step. Every team is not promised a championship no matter how good the team is. I want to be on a team that can get in the playoffs first and foremost, and that’s able to compete for a championship.”
The Steelers, at least at the moment, don’t feel like the surest bet for that after finishing 9-8 last season and just missing out on the postseason behind emerging quarterback Kenny Pickett.
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Peterson’s presence should only help matters, however.
He did mention on the show that he was fine with playing in a cold-weather city after spending the first 10 years of his career in Arizona and playing in a dome with the Vikings.
“I’m a ballplayer,” he said. “Wherever the ball lays that’s where we gonna play.”
Peterson, 32, is coming off consecutive one-year contracts with the Vikings, getting paid $4 million with $3.5 million guaranteed last season.
He collected five interceptions in 2022, helping Minnesota go 13-4 and win the NFC North before losing to the Giants in the wild-card round.
He has 34 interceptions, 111 passes defended and 610 tackles for his career.