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NFL Free Agency: 5 teams that should sign Patrick Peterson

By Brad Berreman

Oct 25, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts following an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts following an interception against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

3. San Francisco 49ers

The rash of injuries that hit the 49ers makes it easy to miss they had the NFL’s fourth-best pass defense in 2020 (207.9 yards per game). But that secondary is set to be depleted by departures in free agency (nine pending free agents!), highlighted by cornerback Richard Sherman being as good as gone.

The 49ers’ pass rush, when all the pieces are healthy, makes a cornerback’s job far easier and that’s something Peterson will need as he considers new teams. The departure of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is notable for San Francisco, but scheme-wise it’s unlikely much changes with linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans being elevated to coordinator.

The 49ers of course have seen plenty of Peterson in the same division over the years, including the last two seasons that haven’t been nearly as good as his previous level. But they will have voids to fill in the secondary, and Peterson may fit nicely as a cornerback-safety hybrid type as he moves on from being a strict shutdown corner.

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