The NFL, like all sports leagues, is leaning towards younger players now more than ever.
It’s not about what a player did in the past, his accolades, or his résumé, but rather about the future and what he can do for them now.
Notably, that has led to a future Hall of Famer like Patrick Peterson still in the unemployment line.
With training camp just a couple of weeks away, Peterson is still a free agent, and he’s not the only one.
That’s why, in the latest episode of his podcast, he questioned the current state of the market (Via Around the NFL):
“What do you think it is about the corners and the safety market at this day and age?” Peterson asked his All Things Covered co-host Bryant McFadden. “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?”
Peterson, a three-time All-Pro cornerback, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers four months ago, and he claims to be ready and desireful to get back out there.
Notably, he’s not alone.
The likes of Quandre Diggs, Xavien Howard, Justin Simmons, Stephon Gilmore, Micah Hyde, Adoree Jackson, Steven Nelson, and Ahkello Witherspoon are some of the top-ranked defensive backs still without a job right now.
Most of them are already 30 years old or older, and that might be the only reason why teams have been wary of getting them on the field.
Still, it’s crazy to think that no team feels like Peterson could still be of help.
A former first-round pick, he has the most interceptions among active players (36) and is coming off playing at least 90% of the snaps in 18 games (17 starts) for the Steelers last season, so he clearly still has something left in the tank.
