As they gear up for discussions with quarterback Russell Wilson, the Steelers have decided to part ways with one of their seasoned defensive players.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh has opted to release defensive back Patrick Peterson.
Peterson, who will turn 34 in July, inked a two-year contract with the Steelers last March. However, with a $3 million roster bonus set to kick in on the third day of the upcoming league year, the team has chosen to part ways with him.
By cutting ties with Peterson, the Steelers will free up $6.85 million in cap space.
During the previous season, Peterson featured in all 17 games for Pittsburgh, starting in 16 of them. He saw action on the field for 97 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, filling in at safety at times due to various injuries in the secondary.
In the 2023 season, he amassed 42 total tackles, defended 11 passes, and secured two interceptions.
Selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Peterson spent the first decade of his career with the Cardinals before joining the Vikings for two seasons. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 36 interceptions and defended 122 passes.
