Report: Pittsburgh Steelers releasing Patrick Peterson

The Steelers are making a big move on defense, designed to free up money for other free players. They are releasing cornerback Patrick Peterson.

The news is courtesy of Adam Schefter of ESPN, who quoted unnamed sources to confirm the Peterson release.

Steelers are releasing eight-time Pro-Bowl CB Patrick Peterson, per sources. pic.twitter.com/z1BYPzaUXy

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2024

It should not be a surprise that the Steelers let go of the cornerback. Pittsburgh owed him a $3 million roster bonus if he still was on the team next week. Plus, his overall cap hit was $9.775 million.

And given that Peterson is 33, his age also probably played a factor. His play was sporadic at times last season. But he helped the Steelers late in the season with his versatility when he moved over to play safety. He also helped mentor cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Peterson said last month that he did not intend to retire this off season. But he was not sure about his future with the Steelers.

“The question is if the Steelers want me to finish with them. I signed a two-year deal for a reason,” Peterson said last month on a podcast he co-hosts with former Steelers DB Bryant McFadden.

Here’s why he chose not to retire. He doesn’t feel old. Rather “I feel great,“ he said. “Me and coach (Mike) Tomlin had a great conversation after the season. Obviously, I know that you got to go through your evaluations in the draft and free agency and things like that. But for me, what I was able to do in year 13, playing different positions, coming into a new environment.

“I felt my season was very successful, playing 97% of my snaps,” said the Steelers DB. “Ain’t many guys in the league — 13 years in — in the secondary, at least that’s playing 97% of their snaps — even young guys. I’ve shown the ability to be durable. I’ve shown the ability not only to lead by example but be accountable. I told Coach Tomlin at the end of the year when we had our exit meeting, I feel great. My mental is in the right place. My body is in the right place. I want to give it another shot.”

Pittsburgh was Peterson’s third NFL team since the Cardinals selected him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. At pick No. 5, he was the first cornerback off the draft board. He also played for the Vikings before shifting to the Steelers.