The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly made a splash in free agency, agreeing to terms with cornerback Patrick Peterson on a one-year deal.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is worth $10 million.
Peterson was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and became one of the league’s premier cornerbacks with the Arizona Cardinals.
A three-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler and member of the 2010s All-Decade team, Peterson was a true shutdown cornerback throughout his career, but struggled over the past two seasons.
In 2019, Peterson was suspended six games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. When he returned, he allowed 1.25 yards per coverage snap, 82nd among qualifying corners according to Pro Football Focus.
Peterson improved in 2020, allowing 1.05 yards per coverage snap (43rd among qualifiers) but also posted the lowest PFF coverage grade of his career (53.1).
If Peterson can provide adequate play at corner, it will be an upgrade for the Vikings. Minnesota relied on rookies Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney last season and the addition of Peterson could provide a future Hall of Fame mentor.
Along with the arrival of defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, Peterson’s signing is positive step toward fixing the Vikings defense. If Mike Zimmer has his way, it won’t be the last addition of the offseason.
