All-Pro player sends message to NFL

With just weeks to go before training camp begins, several notable NFL defenders are still without a team.

Patrick Peterson wants to know why.

“What do you think is so important about cornerbacks and the safety market today?” Peterson asked on his Everything under control podcast from earlier this week, according to Pro Football Talk. “We know it’s a transitional league, right? Why do you see so many high-caliber guys who played at a high level — linebackers — still free agents?”

A three-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Peterson is among those remaining available as free agents after the Pittsburgh Steelers released him earlier this offseason. And the LSU product isn’t alone, as Xavien Howard, J.C. Jackson, Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Adoree’ Jackson, Stephon Gilmore and Micah Hyde are among a number of talented defensive backs also available to sign.

While there are unique circumstances surrounding some of these players, the reality is that there are a ton of talented defensive backs who are strangely without teams. In response to Peterson’s comments on the podcast, co-host Bryant McFadden noted that one answer to his question could be that NFL rules state that veteran salaries are guaranteed for the entire season if a player is on a team’s roster in Week 1.

(Everything discussed, talk about professional football)