The Atlanta Falcons have signed four defensive backs in NFL free agency this offseason. Just two days ago, the Falcons signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers.
They also traded for former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah. Furthermore, the Falcons drafted safety DeMarcco Hellams in the seventh round.
But NFL writer Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus still argued Atlanta needs one more cornerback.
In an article identifying the “last offseason move” each NFC team needs to make, Spielberger urged the Falcons to sign cornerback Marcus Peters.
“The Falcons were frequently projected to select one of the top cornerbacks in the draft at No. 8 overall but decided to add the electric Bijan Robinson at running back instead,” Spielberger wrote. “They did draft slot cornerback Clark Phillips III early in the fourth round but, arguably, still need help on the outside opposite A.J. Terrell even after adding Mike Hughes and Jeff Okudah.”
That disappointing 2022 campaign could be why Peters remains unsigned. He’s not the same player he was in 2019, which was the last time he made All-Pro or the Pro Bowl.
Over the past two seasons, Peters has played just 13 games. He missed all of 2021 with a torn ACL. During 2022, the Ravens made him inactive in four contests.
In 13 games, Peters recorded 47 combined tackles, including 2 for loss. He also had 1 quarterback hit, 1 sack, 1 interception and 6 pass defenses.
The Falcons could use Peters even if he doesn’t return to All-Pro form.
Okudah and A.J. Terrell are the team’s projected starting cornerbacks. If Okudah begins to fulfill his potential, the Falcons would have a pair of strong cornerbacks.
But veteran experience is still lacking a bit even with the arrival of Flowers. In fact, Flowers is the only Falcons cornerback currently on the roster older than 28.
Obviously, cornerback isn’t a position where older players experience a lot of success. Still, the Falcons could sign Peters to a one-year deal and hope he bounces back enough to make an impact on the team’s turnover margin.
The Falcons finished in the bottom six in takeaways during 2022.
Peters is a ball-hawk when he’s healthy. He led the NFL in interceptions as a rookie and twice finished first in interceptions returned for a touchdowns.
The 30-year-old has recorded 32 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles during his eight-year career. He made first-team All-Pro in 2016 and 2019 along with three Pro Bowls.
Additionally, Peters won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2015.
