Leaders Need To Authorize Former $70.5 M All-Pro CB
Verfasst: Samstag 22. Februar 2025, 05:51
Why the Washington Commanders Should Sign Patrick Peterson
The Washington Commanders have struggled with uncertainty at the cornerback position since the new regime took over in early 2024. Even after three preseason games, the team hasn't solidified its defensive backfield, leaving a glaring weakness heading into the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, cornerback remains Washington’s biggest concern. While Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St-Juste are expected to improve from last season, their training camp performances have left room for doubt. Fortunately, a proven veteran is still available in free agency: Patrick Peterson.
Patrick Peterson’s Experience and Durability
A three-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, the 34-year-old Peterson has remained remarkably durable throughout his 13-year NFL career. He played 16 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, recording seven interceptions over the past two seasons.
Although Peterson is no longer the lockdown corner he once was, he still offers experience, leadership, and reliability—something the Commanders desperately need in their secondary. As Rob Maadi of The Associated Press noted, Peterson has played in every game for 11 of his 13 seasons, making him one of the most dependable defensive backs in the league.
A Veteran Presence for a Struggling Secondary
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Peterson’s potential arrival in Washington would provide immediate help for a secondary in flux. Forbes, the team’s 2023 first-round pick (No. 16 overall), had a rough rookie season, grading out as one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL. He enters 2024 as a backup to St-Juste, who started 16 games for Washington last season but remains unproven as a top-tier corner.
Meanwhile, the Commanders invested another high draft pick at the position in 2024, selecting Michigan All-American Mike Sainristil (No. 50 overall) in the second round. While Sainristil has already moved up the depth chart as the team's starting nickelback, the Commanders still lack a steady veteran presence in the secondary.
Forbes and the Pressure of a New Regime
Adding to the pressure, Forbes is now being evaluated by a new front office that didn't draft him. With Dan Quinn taking over as head coach and Adam Peters as general manager, Forbes will need to prove himself to a leadership team that may not have the same patience for his development. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine even listed Forbes among the NFL players with the most to prove in 2024.
Final Thoughts: A Move That Makes Sense
Signing Patrick Peterson would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Commanders. Even at 34 years old, he brings valuable experience, leadership, and durability to a secondary that lacks stability. His presence could help mentor young defensive backs like Forbes and Sainristil while providing much-needed depth at the position.
With Washington’s cornerback situation still uncertain, the solution is clear: Pick up the phone and bring in Peterson.
The Washington Commanders have struggled with uncertainty at the cornerback position since the new regime took over in early 2024. Even after three preseason games, the team hasn't solidified its defensive backfield, leaving a glaring weakness heading into the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 8.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, cornerback remains Washington’s biggest concern. While Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St-Juste are expected to improve from last season, their training camp performances have left room for doubt. Fortunately, a proven veteran is still available in free agency: Patrick Peterson.
Patrick Peterson’s Experience and Durability
A three-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, the 34-year-old Peterson has remained remarkably durable throughout his 13-year NFL career. He played 16 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 and 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, recording seven interceptions over the past two seasons.
Although Peterson is no longer the lockdown corner he once was, he still offers experience, leadership, and reliability—something the Commanders desperately need in their secondary. As Rob Maadi of The Associated Press noted, Peterson has played in every game for 11 of his 13 seasons, making him one of the most dependable defensive backs in the league.
A Veteran Presence for a Struggling Secondary
Commanders Jerseys
Peterson’s potential arrival in Washington would provide immediate help for a secondary in flux. Forbes, the team’s 2023 first-round pick (No. 16 overall), had a rough rookie season, grading out as one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL. He enters 2024 as a backup to St-Juste, who started 16 games for Washington last season but remains unproven as a top-tier corner.
Meanwhile, the Commanders invested another high draft pick at the position in 2024, selecting Michigan All-American Mike Sainristil (No. 50 overall) in the second round. While Sainristil has already moved up the depth chart as the team's starting nickelback, the Commanders still lack a steady veteran presence in the secondary.
Forbes and the Pressure of a New Regime
Adding to the pressure, Forbes is now being evaluated by a new front office that didn't draft him. With Dan Quinn taking over as head coach and Adam Peters as general manager, Forbes will need to prove himself to a leadership team that may not have the same patience for his development. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine even listed Forbes among the NFL players with the most to prove in 2024.
Final Thoughts: A Move That Makes Sense
Signing Patrick Peterson would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Commanders. Even at 34 years old, he brings valuable experience, leadership, and durability to a secondary that lacks stability. His presence could help mentor young defensive backs like Forbes and Sainristil while providing much-needed depth at the position.
With Washington’s cornerback situation still uncertain, the solution is clear: Pick up the phone and bring in Peterson.