Packers: Free agent to be Patrick Peterson can help secondary

Cornerback is the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest offseason need in 2021.

The question of who will start opposite All-Pro Jaire Alexander will continue throughout the coming weeks as we approach free agency and the draft.

In recent years under GM Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have doubled-down at areas of need including cornerback three years ago, an offseason that brought Alexander to Green Bay in the first round.

If Gutekunst opts to fix the cornerback position with a mix of free agency and the draft, a player to consider signing will be Patrick Peterson.

According to FanSided’s Matt Verderame, Peterson isn’t expected to re-sign with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

Peterson might not be playing at the same All-Pro level he once did, but he’s still a talented cornerback who would be a great starting option opposite Alexander.

This season, Peterson made three interceptions and had eight pass defenses.

With Alexander regularly shadowing opponents’ top wide receivers, Peterson would bring a ton of experience on the other side of the field.

Peterson has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league since being drafted in 2011 and, as Verderame notes, he was a Pro Bowler eight years in a row and a three-time first-team All-Pro.

The Packers have made two straight NFC title games. Their Super Bowl window is open. Right now.

What they can’t afford to do is risk not fixing the cornerback depth in 2021.

Kevin King, a free agent, will likely be gone. And relying on a rookie to come in and be ready to go as a starter in the NFL is a big ask. Even Alexander, who impressed in his rookie season, only became an All-Pro in year three.

Cornerback should be on the Packers’ draft list but they should also add to the position in free agency. They can create enough cap room through releasing players and restructuring contracts to make it work.

Peterson would help the Packers in 2021. If he hits free agency, they should consider making an offer.