One of the top defenders in Cardinals history may be on the move next month. The Cardinals bringing Patrick Peterson back on a third contract stands as an unlikely scenario, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com.
The former top-five pick was linked to trades in 2018 and ’19 and a possible Cardinals extension last year, but he remained with the Cardinals on a contract he signed way back in 2014. Peterson played out that deal last year and is one month from unrestricted free agency for the first time.
However, Peterson has seen his play slip a bit over the past two seasons. The All-Decade performer made eight Pro Bowls to start his career but was slapped with a six-game PED suspension to start the 2019 season. After Pro Football Focus graded Peterson fifth among corners in 2018, he slipped to 41st in ’19 and 83rd in ’20. Quarterbacks throwing in Peterson’s direction last season collectively completed passes at a 67% clip — nearly 10 points higher than they did in 2018.
The Cards’ extension talks with Peterson stalled in May of last year and did not regain steam ahead of his age-30 season. Peterson, who will turn 31 in June, said last week no final decision has been made between he and the Cardinals about a separation. Were Peterson to leave, the Cardinals would need immediate help at corner. They also have Dre Kirkpatrick bound for free agency and have seen 2019 acquisition Robert Alford miss two full seasons. Byron Murphy‘s rookie deal runs through 2022, but Arizona may need multiple new cogs to join him soon.
Peterson hitting the market would mean two members of the 2010s All-Decade corner contingent would be free agents, with fellow 2011 draftee Richard Sherman on track for free agency.
Hey, we all get old. I think Patrick was one of the top corners of his generation. And regardless of what happens next, you were fun to watch play, Mr. Peterson. Best of luck wherever you end up finishing out your days!!
I still think he has game left but it is not at CB.
菸
You said it
he may be allowed to walk, but will thet let him run?
move to safety and become an all-pro again. i’d love to see the rams sign him as a safety after john johnson leaves in free agency.
He’s going to want corner money. A move to safety will probably happen at some point, but he won’t commit to that this offseason before he gets paid.
I agree he’d be fantastic as a safety, though. I think if he were able to string together a few more good years with a position switch he should be a hall of famer. Might be one even without a switch.
He’s not getting corner $$$$ unless some non football mind owner ( insert Jerra Jones here) over pays him. Sad thing is Cardinals GM “ hey let’s stop and have another Keim” should of traded him the last 2 seasons. Hey that’s why they are the Cardinals.
Imagine being at a dinner table with Peterson and Sherman and trying to get a word into the conversation. There really should be a trash talking HOF.
He should follow what rod and charles woodson did & move to safety…will extend his career & i think hed be more effective there than cb the next few yrs….
Hes been paid, i doubt hes looking for money!
Don’t let him walk…MAKE HIM WALK. Bye bye Selfish Patrick Peterson. Get your PEDs in a different city. You cost the Cardinals by getting disqualified for six games. Good riddance.
He’s done.
How about him and Sherman on the same team? That would be some funny stuff there. They would be trash talking each other more than the opponent. Come on Seattle put a couple of the young pups on IR and being these two together. They could be called the Legion of walkers. Was going to say canes but figured the dope head Miami fans would think we were talking about them.