If Peterson does find a home for 2024, the where is still very much to be determined — both in terms of the team and the position.
So long a shutdown corner, he dabbled at the safety position for parts of last season in Pittsburgh, lining up at free safety on 225 snaps and in the box for 117 plays. That’s still minimal compared to his 844 combined snaps at the wide or slot corner positions, but it’s something to consider as another class of young, speedy CBs prepare to enter the NFL in what would be Peterson’s 14th season.
The soon-to-be 34-year-old admitted he enjoyed moonlighting at the position last year and would welcome returning to safety, but he would require warning.
Wherever he lines up, Peterson’s main two reasons for playing — his love for the game and “to win a Lombardi” — remain the same.
For now, the NFL’s active leader with 36 interceptions waits.
“If that was the last ride, I’d hate for it to be because I always set the goal out for myself to play 14 years, but we still have time and we’ll see what happens,” Peterson said.