You’ve been asking for it, Raider Nation, and you’ve finally got your wish. On Monday afternoon, league sources announced free agent cornerback Marcus Peters was signing a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Peters, a two-time first-team All-Pro, brings a much-needed veteran presence to the Raiders’ cornerback room. Duke Shelley, Nate Hobbs, Jakorian Bennett and David Long, the four cornerbacks previously expected to get the most run early in the season, each have no more than four years of experience in the National Football League. Peters, on the other hand, is entering his ninth season as a pro.
The Oakland native also brings equally needed height to the position group. Entering the day, Hobbs and Brandon Facyson were the only two corners on the team’s roster to stand at least 6′. Most fans who cheer for the Raiders prefer Hobbs on the inside – understandably so – leaving Facyson (standing 6’2″) as the only [preferred] outside cornerback to reach the 6′ mark.
Peters didn’t get a chance to sport the iconic silver and black colors when the team was in Oakland, but the homecoming that was always meant to be finally takes place in 2023.
New Raiders CB Marcus Peters is ready to prove 2022 down-year was an anomaly
Marcus Peters has had ample success throughout his career, but the 30 year old’s most recent campaign did him no favors. In 2022, the now-former Raven posted career-highs in completion percentage allowed (70%) and quarterback rating when targeted (113.5), while simultaneously logging career-lows in interceptions (1) and overall pass-breakups (2).
However, both sides are confident last season was merely a fluke.
Either way, the Raiders should benefit from this move. If Peters’ ’22 campaign was indeed an anomaly, the positive is obvious. If it isn’t, the Washington alum has plenty of merit as both a leader in the locker room and mentor to the team’s abundance of youth at the cornerback position.
A win-win for Las Vegas.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
