All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson reportedly wants out of Arizona and the idea of the Vikings landing one of the best in the game is worthy of an investigation.
Peterson, still just 28 years old and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, “desperately” wants the Cardinals to trade him, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Cardinals, however, say there’s no chance of that happening.
“We’re not trading Patrick,” Cardinals coach Steve Wilks said Monday. “That’s out of the question.”
What else is Wilks supposed to say when he hears that his three-time, 1st-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl superstar wants to leave the desert for greener pastures?
The NFL trade deadline strikes at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, so any team interested in Peterson would have to work out a deal in less than a week, which might be difficult considering the asking price for Peterson will probably be massive.
The Cowboys had to give up a first-round pick to get wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Raiders. Cooper is a free agent after the season, so Dallas risked losing a first rounder for a possible rental player, while Peterson is under contract through the 2021 season and a better overall player.
Getting a player under team control in his prime isn’t cheap.
ESPN (subscription needed) floated the idea that Minnesota might be able to land Peterson if they give the Cardinals their 2019 first-round pick, a third-round pick and cornerback Trae Waynes.
It’s a lot to give up, but consider some facts.
According to Pro Football Focus, Peterson has the fourth-highest grade among NFL cornerbacks this season while Waynes ranks 28th. Price-wise, the Vikings will owe Waynes about $9 million next season if they pick up his fifth-year option. Peterson is due to make $11.8 million in 2019 and $13.1 million in 2020.
As previously mentioned, Peterson is still just 28 years old. Waynes is 26, so not a huge difference there.
The Vikings already have Xavier Rhodes and Waynes in the secondary, who were both high level cornerbacks last season and appear to be hitting their stride after a slow start this season.
Rhodes hurt his ankle in last week’s win over the Jets but head coach Mike Zimmer indicated Wednesday that Rhodes is doing well and could play this Sunday against the Saints.
Rhodes and Waynes is a nice 1-2 punch as is, but Rhodes and Peterson would be as good as it gets.
Then again, would Peterson be able to pick up Zimmer’s defense this season or would it require time that makes him less of an impact player from the start? Waynes knows the defense already and has a very bright future.
There’s a lot to consider and a lot to give up to get one of the best corners in the league.
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