Adam Schefter has reported that the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams are finalizing a deal that would send CB Marcus Peters to LA. In return, the Rams are reportedly sending back draft picks, however, they have not been confirmed yet. Both teams will have to wait until the start of the league year to officially complete the deal.
This trade comes just two years after Andy Reid and company made the Washington product their first-round selection.
There was concern about Peters’ behavior entering the draft. The CB was dismissed from the Wasington Huskies in November of his junior season after an altercation with an assistant coach. Without these character “flaws” he could have been drafted in the top-10 instead of at 18th overall.
In his rookie season, Peters would prove his worth on the field, as he was awarded the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year honor. This was probably heavily influenced by the fact he tied for the league lead in interceptions with Reggie Nelson (8). He was also named to the Pro-Bowl and earned Second-Team All-Pro considerations.
The following season, Peters continued his impressive pace. He finished tied for second in the league in interceptions with Quintin Demps (6). 2016-17 also brought him his second Pro-Bowl nomination and his first First-Team All-Pro consideration. His compete-level and ability were encapsulated in this play where he sealed a victory for KC over CAR.
Peters’ third season is apparently where he became too much for the Chiefs to handle. In a game against the New York Jets, the then 24-year old threw a penalty flag in the stands. He was sent back to the locker room and didn’t appear for the remainder of the game. The Chiefs suspended Peters for the following week, citing not only the flag-throwing incident but also an argument with a Chiefs’ coach.
On the field, he was still producing. He intercepted another five passes (good enough for a tie for fifth) and made another tremendous strip, this time returning it for a TD.
Marcus Peters is one of the best cornerbacks in football. I have him firmly inside my top five. It’s tough to predict career interception numbers because quarterbacks often stop throwing at talented CBs, but if Peters continues on the same pace he’s currently at, he has a chance to break Paul Krause’s career interception record (81) that has stood since 1979.
The Chiefs are getting younger, and that’s clearly their focus. They moved on from Alex Smith (33) and Derrick Johnson (35) to surround QB Pat Mahomes with young talent for years to come. That plan shouldn’t include moving on from one of the best CBs in the game, who also happens to be only 25.
I understand there are attitude problems there, but that is the case with many players at the two most “diva” positions, WR and CB. Aqib Talib and Richard Sherman are two of the best at their position, and they’ve both had attitudes throughout their careers. On offense, look at guys like Dez Bryant and Brandon Marshall. They have similar experiences.
Unless the Chiefs got two first-round picks in return for Peters, to me this trade is a flop. There’s no guarantee that you get a top five CB in the draft, and the signing of David Amerson doesn’t replace Peters’ talent either. Even if you get a talent, it will likely take time to develop, whereas Peters should be getting into his prime years. Kansas City fans better hope this return is great or the organization just gave up on one of the best young players in the league for nothing.