5 Low-Cost Free Agents the Chargers Must Target
5. Patrick Peterson, Cornerback
Back to another veteran who shouldn't cost much on a one-year deal, it's easy to like Patrick Peterson's versatility in the secondary.
Peterson lined up just about everywhere for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023, playing outside corner (563 snaps), slot corner (208 snaps), safety (218 snaps) and lining up inside the box (105 snaps). That versatility lets him do whatever is needed to best support the defense, and it makes it really easy for a good coach to find ways to keep him on the field.
An eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Peterson's leadership and locker room presence can also make an impact even when he's not on the field. And with the Chargers likely adding at least one new defensive back in the draft (and maybe more), that's something that should not be discounted.
Peterson's play was only "fine" in 2023, but as recently as 2022 he was still grading out as a strong starter (80.7 overall) on PFF, and one down year shouldn't be enough to write him off as washed up.
As I mentioned earlier it can be hard to find cost-effective help in the secondary, but signing Peterson is one way to do exactly that.
The Chargers need to do plenty of work to close the gap between themselves and the Kansas City Chiefs. They currently have +370 odds to win the AFC West. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook, claim your sign-up bonus, and back the Bolts.
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