The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. In the coming months, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.
The Player: Marcus Peters
Few players illustrate the volatile nature of the cornerback position quite like former Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marcus Peters. At times, the three-time Pro Bowler has been one of the most feared coverage men in the league: he led the league in interceptions as a rookie and has led the league in interception return yardage three times. Unfortunately, his high-risk, high-reward playstyle has also cost him at times: in 2022, he allowed a frustrating 113.7 passer rating on throws in his direction.
The Fit:
Peters is 30 years old and coming off a couple of down years, but he was a valuable, game-changing defender at the peak of his powers. His up-and-down career is due for a positive swing. He would be a good fit for a contending team with an elite front seven that can force risky throws. Perhaps no defender punishes mistakes like Peters: his six interceptions returned for touchdowns are second-most among active players behind only Jackrabbit Jenkins.
The Cost:
Peters was mediocre in 2022 and missed all of the 2021 season due to a torn ACL, so he could be a relatively low-risk gamble for a discerning team. Corners of his age and recent acumen don't tend to break the bank: Casey Hayward signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons last spring; it's hard to see why Peters would deserve significantly more. Stephon Gilmore's two-year, $20 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts is probably out of reach.
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