Steelers 'open' to reuniting with eight-time Pro Bowler

The Steelers roster has already seen a ton of turnover in what has been yet another active offseason under general manager Omar Khan. 

There is one player who Pittsburgh recently released, however, that could make his return to the Steel City.

Per Steelers.com's Dale Lolley, head coach Mike Tomlin said the team "remains open" to bringing back eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson, who was released at the beginning of March, but added it would "come down the road."

Pittsburgh saved $7M in salary cap space by moving on from the 33-year-old this offseason, but bringing him back for a much lower price makes sense.

The Steelers traded for former Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson this offseason, but there isn't much depth outside of him and cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick in 2023.

Although not the player he used to be, Peterson could provide some much-needed depth for Pittsburgh. 

The 13-year veteran finished the 2023 season with 42 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed while showing his versatility by playing as an outside corner, slot corner and safety.

Still, opposing teams knew Peterson lost a step as they regularly targeted him, and it worked out for them most of the time. 

He believes he still has some good football left to help the Steelers compete for a Super Bowl next season.

"I can be your second and third corner and your nickel for sure because we don't have a nickel on the roster. I know the defense, I understand what we need to do," Peterson said on his "All Things Covered" podcast. "It is not about the money at this point. I just want to have an opportunity to win a championship."

Of course, if Pittsburgh adds another corner in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft, it'll be unlikely that Peterson will return, but if not, he may just get his wish.