5 free-agent DTs for Panthers to pair with Derrick Brown in 2021
By Noah Bryce
Corey Peters
- 2020 team – Arizona Cardinals
While Corey Peters may be the oldest player on this list, he still has plenty left in the tank and with the signing of J.J. Watt, the slot for a highly-paid veteran along the Arizona Cardinals defensive line seems to have been filled.
Injuries would have to be the biggest concern when considering bringing in Peters. He’s only completed a 16-game season twice in his career with last season being cut to nine by a knee injury.
However, Peters was productive in those nine games, registering 15 tackles and two sacks. Even with his injury issues, the interior force has been a steady figure in the league since being drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
After terrorizing the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons until 2014, Peters left for the Cardinals in free agency. His best statistical season coming in 2013 when he had 46 tackles and five sacks in 15 games. Eleven of his 19 career sacks came during his time in the NFC South.
Now nearing the end of his career it might just be enough to lure him back to a division where Peters has some nice memories of his early career dominance.
The value of a veteran mentor like Peters can also not be understated. Bringing him in on a short, team-friendly, deal to mentor Derrick Brown and any young players the Carolina Panthers may pick up would be a good long-term move. But only if the price is right.