With just weeks to go until the start of training camp, there are several high profile defensive backs in the NFL who remain without a team.
Patrick Peterson wants to know why.
“What do you think it is about the corners and the safety market at this day and age?” Peterson asked on his All Things Covered podcast earlier this week, per Pro Football Talk. “We know it’s a passing league, right? Why do you see so many high-caliber guys who’ve played at a high level — defensive backs — still free agents right now?”
A three-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Peterson is among those to remain available in free agency after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him earlier this offseason. And the LSU product isn’t alone, with Xavien Howard, J.C. Jackson, Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Adoree’ Jackson, Stephon Gilmore and Micah Hyde among the many accomplished defensive backs also available to be signed.
While there are unique circumstances associated with some of those players, the reality is that there is a plethora of talented defensive backs who are curiously without teams. Responding to Peterson’s comments on the podcast, co-host Bryant McFadden noted that one of the answers to his question might be that NFL rules dictate that veteran salaries are guaranteed for the entire season if the player is on a team’s roster for Week 1.
[All Things Covered, Pro Football Talk]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.