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Patrick Peterson rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By Cole Thompson

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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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. AFC North . . 3. player. Scouting Report. Cleveland Browns. 53

For a while, the Cleveland Browns were a team that players went to in free agency because they had money. Now, they’re a team that players want to play for because they’re going to contend.

Kevin Stefanski’s first season near Lake Erie awarded him the NFL’s Coach of the Year. Breaking an 18-year playoff drought and finally working with the hopes of a potential franchise quarterback will get you there. Add in a solid run game and weapons and the Browns’ offense is legit.

What’s not legitimate is the defensive back seven. Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards with a noodle arm down 28-0 in the Wild Card Round. That’s all the proof needed the secondary could use an upgrade.

Peterson could be better suited for a long-term deal in the Land. Three years with one at safety might allow him to sign a massive extension and earn top dollar. With Denzel Ward taking over CB1 duties, Peterson would be now the secondary player, a role that could help him bounce back to Pro Bowl form.

Cleveland has the money and the ties to be a contender in 2021. Their focus this offseason needs to be on the back seven of the defense. A name like Peterson could fix both the short and long-term issues in coverage, meaning he’ll be on their shortlist.

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