Steelers DB Patrick Peterson has no plans to retire amid two-year contract

Patrick Peterson doesn’t plan on retiring this year. But it’s not clear whether the Steelers will keep the defensive back who ended the season as a free safety.

The former LSU star and first-round draft pick will know soon enough. The Steelers owe him a $3 million roster bonus if he’s around to start the new NFL year. The league flips the calendar next month.

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

Peterson acknowledged that his age probably will play the biggest factor in whether the Steelers keep him. After all, he is 33. Pittsburgh is 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.

Peterson said he’s not feeling his age. Rather “I feel great. 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.”

Because of injuries to teammates, Peterson switched from corner to free safety later in the season. The vet was the best option after injuries to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Trenton Thompson and the suspension of Damontae Kazee.

Peterson started 16 of 17 games, making 42 tackles, 29 of them solo. He defended 11 passes with two interceptions.

But will the Steelers keep him? “As you saw this year, I’m open to playing wherever, whenever,” Peterson said. “Wherever I can be to help the team, I’m all for it. Except for the bench.”

Peterson signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh this time a year ago. He’s set for a roster bonus that pays on the third day of the new NFL year. That starts March 13. Teams will waive veterans early to allow them a jump on finding a new team. March 13 also marks the start of when players are free to sign contracts with new teams. Trade deals also can be completed.