5 free agents the Carolina Panthers should avoid in 2021
By Dean Jones
Patrick Peterson – CB
- 2020 team: Arizona Cardinals
Patrick Peterson was one of the best cornerbacks in the business once upon a time. But judging by his level of production for the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, those days appear to be long gone.
Teams thought twice about throwing the football anyway close to Peterson’s direction when the player was in his prime. He was an elite cover corner who more than lived up to his billing as the No. 5 overall selection in 2011 thanks to series of outstanding campaigns in Arizona.
Father time waits for no man.
And it appears to be catching up to Peterson quickly.
This season was arguably the worst of Peterson’s career from a production standpoint. He was sluggish in coverage and although he did manage to come up with three interceptions, the former LSU standout gave up 66.6 percent of balls thrown his way, which is not in keeping with what we’ve seen from the veteran at any stage of his career.
It comes at the worst possible time for Peterson, who will be a free agent in the coming weeks. There could still be a market for the player given his downward year, but the Carolina Panthers would be wise to stay well clear given the financial implications and the team’s need for energetic options in the secondary.