The Las Vegas Raiders weren’t content with their secondary, so they added a new face. With the 2023 season nearing, the Silver and Black made a bold move in adding veteran Marcus Peters to the group. Peters brings experience to a unit that will be tested considerably, given the quarterbacks on the team’s schedule. Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler and running back Brandon Bolden spoke about the team’s new cornerback and had nothing but praise.
Ziegler explained the decision-making process that led to the franchise signing Peters to a one-year contract. Even though Peters won’t affect the offense, Bolden noted that his new teammate’s leadership will come in handy this season.
Marcus Peters has been in the news for good reasons, so let’s dive into what’s being said about him.
Raiders GM Dave Ziegler explains the Marcus Peters signing
With Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and even Russell Wilson in their division, the Raiders need a quality secondary for the foreseeable future. A subpar unit will see Las Vegas get torched in the passing game.
Las Vegas has an inexperienced group of cornerbacks heading into this season. Ziegler felt this group needed the veteran presence of Peters – and he had a point. The two-time All-Pro will certainly bring experience to his position room being an eight-year NFL veteran.
Along with playing the star quarterbacks in the AFC West, the Raiders will also face Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers; not an easy eight games for the team’s defensive backs. If Peters can pass along his expertise, it can give the Silver and Black’s secondary a chance to win.
“We were looking for a player that could come in, that could touch the football but also would bring some leadership to that room and bring some accountability to that room and could be a guy when things aren’t going well in practice, to say, wait a minute here,” Ziegler said on Raiders Training Camp Special. “Like, this isn’t the standard, fellas, and let’s refocus and let’s make some progress. And Marcus has done that already.”
“He’s been an incredible teacher, a leader amongst that group. [He] got his hands on a football yesterday and had an interception and really understands the game and how to play the game. And he’s risen the level in that room of what the expectations are going to be. So that’s been exciting to see. And like you said, the more he can make plays on the ball, the better.”
Peters making plays in training camp goes with the theme the Raiders’ defense wants to have this season. Las Vegas finished last in takeaways with 13, and if the group wants to be disruptive in 2023, that stat needs to go up. Furthermore, the secondary must improve their interceptions stat as the team tied for last place with six last season.
Marcus Peters brings leadership to both sides of the football
The word leadership is a word that goes hand-and-hand with Peters on both sides of the football. Whether it’s on defense or offense, the three-time Pro Bowler’s influence on the squad is beginning to show.
Bolden, who will also bring experience to the Raiders, already knows what Peters can do for the Raiders’ defense. The 30-year-old has played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens, so he’s been in a winning environment. Peters can bring that knowledge to Las Vegas’ locker room and help install a new, winning culture.
“Vet leadership,” Bolden told reporters Friday. “Someone who’s been there, done that, can help the young guys, point them in the right direction and stuff like that. Kind of the same role I’m stepping into these days. Kind of like the elder men of the group, and kind of just be there to help out and when your number is called, get out there and play.”
While Peters can be a mentor, he’s not only attempting to play the role of a teacher. The cornerback wants to show he still has plenty of game in his cleats and wants to contribute on the field too.
Peters is coming off a down year, as he had one interception and six passes defended last season – both of which stand as career-lows. Even though Peters will want to help the young players, he’ll play with a chip on his shoulder, which bodes well for the Raiders.
So, what do you say, Raiders fans? Do you think Peters will be a good influence in the secondary? Will he provide leadership for some players to reach another level? Let us know.
*Top Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports