Patrick Peterson reveals Steelers won't give skill position players single-digit numbers

Patrick Peterson wore the No. 7 on the back of his jersey while at LSU and last season with the Minnesota Vikings. That, however, will change with the 33-year-old now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The eight-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro cornerback, who signed a two-year, $14 million deal with Pittsburgh this offseason, reportedly told Bryant McFadden of the pair’s “All Things Covered” podcast that the Steelers aren’t allowing skill position players to wear single-digit numbers. The NFL recently adopted a new rule which allows players to wear a wide-range of numbers regardless of position, but Pittsburgh is apparently electing to keep things traditional.

“Pat P just informed all of us that the Steelers are not giving a single-digit to any skill position player,” McFadden recently said, via Steelers Depot. “They gonna keep the tradition the tradition. So if you play in the secondary, you’re not getting a single-digit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pat Pete informed us all, that’s not happening.”

Peterson will wear the No. 20 with the Steelers and is expected to occupy 1-of-2 starting cornerback spots alongside rookie Joey Porter Jr.

Patrick Peterson believes 2023 Steelers success will rest squarely on QB Kenny Pickett

Peterson, meanwhile, has been vocal this offseason of the Steelers’ chances to compete in 2023. If Pittsburgh is going to go far, it’ll be contingent on the play of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, Peterson told Jim Rome last month.

“I believe he is a guy that we can rely on, a guy who we can count on,” Peterson said. “Now it’s going to all fall on him if he can go out there. And show us what he’s capable of doing.”

Peterson added he believes the team has all the pieces they need on the defensive side of the ball to compete. Throw in an offensive cast which includes Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth, and the Steelers should have every shot to improve upon their 9-8 record from this past season.

But again, it’ll come down to Pickett making the necessary plays and taking a jump in 2023. Pickett guided the Steelers to a 7-5 record in 13 starts in 2022. He threw for 2,404 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions on 63.0% passing. Pickett added 237 yards and three scores on the ground.