Free agents the Arizona Cardinals may lose by signing J.J. Watt

Patrick Peterson

Peterson took a step back in 2020 after a subpar 2019. And while he still showed flashes of his old self with 3 interceptions and a modest 8 pass deflections, there isn’t too much to get excited about with Peterson in a full-time role as a starter. Especially if teams are offering him a payday.

While Watt proved his value last season up front in the pass rush, ranking 15th out of 119 pass rushers in pass rush win rate in 2020, Peterson’s more obscure but vital statistics continued to decline. He allowed a completion percentage of 67.1 in 2020, 5 touchdowns, and a 98.2 quarterback rating.

Of 79 targets, receivers hauled in 53 receptions while facing Peterson. He also allowed 12.5 yards per completion and 8.4 yards per target. The last two statistics were better than his 2019 campaign of 12.9 yards and 8.5 yards, but as you can see, it wasn’t by much.

So why would the Cardinals sign one soon-to-be 11-year veteran and let another walk? The proof is in the numbers. Peterson isn’t the same player he was by a long shot. While Watt played in 91 percent of his possible snaps in 2020 and still produced well, even if his sack total went down.

Also, Watt joins a solid rotation either at his natural position of defensive end or if the Cardinals wished, outside linebacker. In Peterson’s case, he remained the team’s number one corner and would continue to do if they kept him. However, like Watt, he’s at his best as a rotational player at this point in his career.

The Cardinals will only keep Peterson if he agrees to return on a reduced deal. However, the free-agent market may still pay him a top dollar.