Panthers should try and sign Patrick Peterson on one condition
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers should try and sign experienced cornerback Patrick Peterson, who is set to become a free agent this spring.
It appears as if Patrick Peterson‘s time with the Arizona Cardinals is soon coming to an end. The cornerback is about to hit the free-agent market this spring and it doesn’t look like the organization is planning on bringing back the former All-Pro.
According to FanSided‘s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame, the Cardinals and Peterson are parting ways “barring a significant change in stance” between now and when free agency gets underway. This is the end of an era for the player and the organization, which is sure to see plenty of suitors once it’s time for teams to start making offers.
One team that has a substantial need in their secondary is the Carolina Panthers. Their defense did make some encouraging strides as the campaign wore on and providing they get the right sort of reinforcements to the organization this spring it could see them become a real force to be reckoned with next time around.
They should air on the side of caution with players like Peterson.
There is also the financial aspect to consider if a bidding war commences.
The eight-time Pro Bowler might be the wrong side of 30 now and is coming off a year where his normally outstanding production dropped off to such an extent that Arizona has now decided to cut their losses and allow the veteran to take up a new challenge elsewhere.
New general manager Scott Fitterer stated the Panthers would be in on every deal this offseason in their bid to get back in the playoff talk. Peterson would provide a valuable locker room presence with bags of experience. But even though his days as a corner might be coming to an end, converting to safety could be something worth considering at this juncture.