Marcus Peters, a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, is set to embark on his eighth NFL season. Now at 30 years old, Peters has landed a new deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, just as training camp commences. NFL Media reports that Peters consented to a one-year contract with the Raiders after an impressive Monday workout.
Since his entry into the league in 2015, Peters boasts 32 career interceptions – a record unmatched during this period. His addition to the Raiders‘ defensive lineup is of significant value, particularly considering the team’s struggles in 2022. They allowed one of the highest average passing yards per game (242.9) and suffered the highest passer rating (98.8).
Peters’ NFL journey began with the Kansas City Chiefs, rivals of the Raiders in AFC West, where he entered as the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. His initial performance was exceptional, with his rookie year interceptions (eight) equating to the NFL lead, earning him the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection.
In 2016, Peters continued his impressive run, intercepting six more passes and securing First-Team All-Pro and another Pro Bowl selection. The Chiefs decided to trade Peters to the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, swapping him and a sixth-round draft pick for a fourth-round and a 2019 second-round pick.
Peters played a key role in the Rams‘ Super Bowl journey that season, although they ultimately lost to the New England Patriots. In a subsequent season trade, Peters joined the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for defensive lineman Kenny Young and a 2020 fifth-round pick.
The Ravens extended his contract for three years at $42 million, a deal that saw him through 2022. Peters‘ latest Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections came in 2019, following his five interceptions, three of which he ran back for touchdowns, giving him the league lead in interception return scores.
A torn ACL unfortunately kept him off the field for the entire 2021 season, and his 2022 return, post-injury, fell short of his typically high standards, registering a career-high 84.8 passer rating allowed in coverage.
The Raiders and Peters are optimistic for a stronger comeback in 2023. Peters is expected to report to their training camp on Tuesday.
