The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move to upgrade their secondary by signing three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters. The terms of the contract were not disclosed, but reports suggest that Peters received a one-year deal. The 30-year-old veteran missed the entire 2021 season due to a torn ACL and is coming off a career-low one interception last year with the Baltimore Ravens. However, his 32 career interceptions are significantly more than the rest of the Raiders’ cornerbacks combined.
The Raiders had a lackluster performance in terms of interceptions last season, with only six as a team, tied for the lowest in the NFL. Furthermore, only two interceptions came from a cornerback, Amik Robertson, highlighting the need for an upgrade in the secondary. Las Vegas was also last in the league in interceptions in 2021 with just six.
The Raiders currently have Nate Hobbs, who played as a slot cornerback last season but also saw time on the outside. They also have Sam Webb, Tyler Hall, Bryce Cosby, and Ike Brown in their cornerback group. In addition, they used a fourth-round pick on Maryland cornerback Jakorian Bennett and signed veterans Brandon Facyson, Duke Shelley, and David Long Jr. in free agency. The team also added undrafted rookies Jordan Perryman and Azizi Hearn.
With the addition of Marcus Peters, the Raiders now have their most accomplished cornerback on the roster. Peters was a first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015 and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league in interceptions (8) and touchdowns (2). He has also played for the Los Angeles Rams. Since 2015, Peters has recorded 32 interceptions, six pick-sixes, and 822 interception return yards, making him the most productive active player in those categories.
Peters is known for his highly emotional and volatile playstyle, which has led to heated confrontations on the field. One notable incident involved a late hit on Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in 2017 when Peters was with the Chiefs. The hit nearly sparked a benches-clearing brawl, but it was diffused when Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, who is Peters’ cousin and grew up with him in Oakland, ran onto the field to protect Peters.
Last season, Peters had an emotional outburst with Ravens coach John Harbaugh in the final moments of a game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite his emotional playstyle and occasional controversies, Peters brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to the Raiders’ secondary.
In addition to signing Marcus Peters, the Raiders also announced the signing of veteran free agent defensive end Isaac Rochell. Rochell appeared in one game for Las Vegas last season.
The addition of Marcus Peters is a significant move for the Raiders as they look to improve their secondary and create more turnovers. Peters’ playmaking ability and experience will be valuable assets for the team. With a revamped cornerback group and the addition of other defensive pieces, the Raiders hope to have a more formidable defense in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed Marcus Peters, a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, to upgrade their secondary. Peters brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to a team that struggled with interceptions last season. With a revamped cornerback group and other defensive additions, the Raiders hope to have a stronger defense in the upcoming season.