Rams should wait to see how 2019 goes before extending Marcus Peters
By Dan Parzych
Marcus Peters is entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Rams after coming over in a trade last offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams pulled off a surprise move by agreeing to acquire Marcus Peters from the Kansas City Chiefs to help put them in better position at cornerback since it seemed like only a matter of time before Trumaine Johnson was gone, which was the case.
Despite the concerns surrounding Peters of being a hot head at time, and a distraction in the locker room, it was difficult to ignore the kind of talent the cornerback brought to the table after recording 24 turnovers (19 interceptions) over his first three NFL seasons.
These impressive numbers alone made it clear why a team like the Rams would be willing to take a chance on a player like Peters since Wade Phillips has dealt with plenty of other players like him throughout his coaching career.
While there were times throughout the first part of the 2018 season in which Peters was one of the most frustrating players to follow on defense, the cornerback did end the year on a positive note, especially when Aqib Talib returned to help remove some extra pressure.
With that being said, Los Angeles faces an interesting decision heading into the 2019 season since Peters is entering the final year of rookie deal after the team picked up his fifth-year option last offseason, meaning they are expected to consider the possibility of an extension.
Right away, the enthusiasm displayed by Sean McVay makes it seem like it’s only a matter of time before Los Angeles reaches an agreement on Peters with an extension to make sure he sticks around for the long run on defense.
However, as great of a job as Peters did ending last season on a high note, the last thing the Rams should want to do here is jump the gun with a decision on their cornerback, and should consider the possibility of seeing how things play out in 2019 instead.
The one thing Los Angeles learned the hard way at times last season was how Peters didn’t exactly perform as well when Talib wasn’t there with him on the field, meaning there are concerns over whether he truly can be an effective No. 1 cornerback.
Since Peters is technically under contract, and is going to play regardless for the Rams in 2019, why not just hold off on a new potential deal for now to make sure there are no regrets down the road for the NFC champions?