The Las Vegas Raiders made a significant move to strengthen their defense by signing three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters.
The terms of the deal were not officially disclosed, but multiple reports suggest it’s a one-year contract. Peters, a seven-year veteran, missed the entire 2021 season due to a torn ACL and entered free agency for the first time in his career.
Despite a career-low one interception last season with the Baltimore Ravens, the 30-year-old cornerback brings immense value to the Raiders secondary. His impressive tally of 32 career interceptions significantly outweighs the combined interceptions of the rest of the Raiders cornerbacks.
The #Raiders have reached an agreement with former #Ravens Pro Bowl CB Marcus Peters, sources say. Peters, who had an impressive workout today, gets a 1-year deal and Las Vegas gets a talented player right before camp. pic.twitter.com/DmbaYLLoSh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 24, 2023
Vegas’ secondary struggled last season, with a meager six interceptions as a team, tying for the NFL low. Only two of those interceptions came from a cornerback, highlighting the need for an experienced and playmaking corner like Peters.
As a first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015, Peters made an instant impact and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Throughout his career, he has showcased exceptional ball skills and playmaking ability, leading the league in interceptions and defensive touchdowns during his rookie season.
Peters’ aggressive style of play has occasionally sparked heated confrontations on the field, but his competitiveness and passion for the game have earned him respect from the majority of the football world.
One incident that resonated with Raiders fans was in 2017 when Peters, playing for the Chiefs, delivered a late hit on quarterback Derek Carr, nearly causing a brawl on the field. However, then-Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, who happens to be Peters’ cousin and fellow Oakland native, intervened to protect Peters and defuse the situation.
Despite his emotional playing style, Peters has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the field. His 32 interceptions, six pick-sixes, and 822 interception return yards are unmatched by any other active player since 2015.
The addition of Peters not only strengthens the Raiders secondary but also adds a veteran presence and leadership to the team. With him now in the mix, Vegas’ defense is expected to take a significant step forward in the upcoming season.
The one slight concern that could potentially dampen all of this excitement is the question of just how much Peters has left in the tank?
Can he remain a truly elite cornerback in the NFL?
Even if he can, given his age, it most likely won’t be for long.