From the end of last season and through the start of free agency, cornerback Patrick Peterson has been consistent with his hopes of returning to the Minnesota Vikings. Yesterday, on his “All Things Covered” podcast, he announced that he’s returning for a second season with the Vikings. The team later announced the signing. The deal has a base value of $4 million ($3.5 million guaranteed). It also has another $1 million available in incentives.
“I’m not trying to back up the Brink’s truck any more, because I know I’m not 26, 25 any more. I just wanted to have a respectable contract.”
The Vikings and Peterson apparently reached that respectable contract. He drew interest from the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Commanders but remaining in Minnesota was always his preference.
At 31, Peterson is no longer the ridiculously talented football player that he was during his Arizona Cardinals days. At his peak, he was named All-Pro three times and went to eight straight Pro Bowls. He was named to the 2010s All-Decade Team. He’s no longer that generational cornerback. Time might’ve taken some of his ridiculous talent but time has also added to his game. He’s a smarter player. He was once given half the field or a particular player. Now, he works in a team defense. His knowledge and experience with schemes, techniques, and players make his teammates better, individually and collectively. It wasn’t a high bar but he was the Vikings best cornerback last year. He provided consistent and reliable coverage. He was also a committed and respected team leader. He was an excellent mentor to the team’s young cornerbacks. He also formed a strong relationship with safety Harrison Smith, on and off the field. The Vikings will need all of that from Peterson in his second season.
Entering the offseason, the Vikings had several needs. That’s usually the case after a team has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons and fired their general manager and head coach. Of those needs, cornerback topped the list. It took a couple weeks but the Vikings finally addressed that need. In the past week, they have re-signed or signed the following cornerbacks.
Patrick Peterson
Chandon Sullivan
Nate Hairston
Tye Smith
Those signings doubled the number of cornerbacks on the roster.
Patrick Peterson
Cameron Dantzler
Chandon Sullivan
Kris Boyd
Harrison Hand
Nate Hairston
Parry Nickerson
Tye Smith
In late March, the Vikings starting corners are Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler on the outside and Chandon Sullivan on the inside. Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand, and Nate Hairston provide competent and experienced depth. It’s a decent group. Peterson has a shiny name but he’ll be 32 in July. Dantzler looks the part and has some terrific moments on the field but he still has some puzzling moments. Sullivan is a solid nickel corner on a one-year deal. The Vikings could go into the season with this group. With the assistance of a potentially disruptive pass rush, this group could be great. Still, it’s a group with a lot of questions. There are enough questions that I still like cornerback at #12 in the 2022 NFL Draft. With the recent additions, that pick no longer has to be cornerback.
A productive offseason continues.
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