Marcus Peters remains one of the few Pro Bowlers left on the free agent market as NFL teams attempt to top off their final rosters before training camp.
The three-time Pro Bowl cornerback has had his name mentioned for numerous potential suitors. But now, a Monday visit with a team he once grew up near sparks intrigue that his free agency period is reaching a finish line.
Monday Visit Makes the Raiders the Best Overall Fit for Marcus Peters
An Oakland native, Peters once grew up hearing the sounds of “The Autumn Wind” at 7000 South Coliseum Way. Now, he’s visiting the Las Vegas Raiders, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
At 30 years old, having his past close ties to the organization, and given the current state of the Vegas secondary, Peters’ best fit just might be with the Raiders.
Peters starred at McClymonds High, located less than nine miles away from the Raiders’ former home. Though the Raiders have since relocated to Sin City, signing with the Silver and Black puts Peters on the team he lived near.
But beyond suiting up for a former Bay Area franchise, Peters would walk into a secondary where, even as a late addition, he could still potentially position himself as the CB1. The Raiders ranked 29th against the pass last season and snatched a lowly six interceptions. Worse, Amik Robertson (two) was the lone cornerback who collected picks out of the Raiders’ CB room.
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Peters only snatched one interception last season in 13 starts. But coverage-wise, he surrendered a completion percentage of just 64.3 and, in 11 of those starts, only allowed five catches or less on his side, including eight games of surrendering below 60 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. He would still bring some veteran value on the coverage side.
Again, this is a CB unit that needs more takeaways. While the team drafted Jakorian Bennett out of Maryland in the fourth round and signed three free agents in Duke Shelley, Brandon Facyson, and David Long Jr., adding Peters gives the Raiders a more proven ball hawk and a pick-six machine — Peters owns 32 career interceptions and took six to the house.
Other Potential Landing Spots for Peters
Peters would still likely command plenty of attention for teams trying to address their CB room outside of the Raiders, especially contenders.
One potential suitor is the AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars. After losing Shaquill Griffin to the rival Houston Texans Saturday, the Jags could use an additional veteran in the CB room. Peters could form a strong tandem with fast-riser Tyson Campbell.
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Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions still appear to be some pieces away from ending their division title drought dating back to 1993.
While the team signed Emmanuel Moseley to a one-year deal, he has had difficulty staying healthy. Trading away Jeff Okudah in April also helps clear room to possibly add one more veteran. In this case, Peters would be the best available.
It’s also worth noting Ravens head coach John Harbaugh hasn’t ruled out bringing Peters back, stating, “You don’t close the door on good players and good people.”
Outside of contenders, the Carolina Panthers pose a potential fit as well. One reason is new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was with Peters during their time with the Rams. Peters would come in with some familiarity with what Evero expects from his unit. Carolina may also be enticed by a Peters/Jaycee Horn collaboration.
But again, adding Peters can give the Raiders CB unit more respectability when facing the three Pro Bowl quarterbacks they deal with twice a year in the AFC West.
While Peters gets knocked for his aggressive gambles in coverage that lead to long gains and touchdowns, the Raiders have lacked a proven ball hawk in the CB room during the time they’ve been in Vegas. Peters, with his credentials, can change that.
