Patrick Peterson - Pro Football Rumors

Steelers To Sign CB Patrick Peterson

March 13th, 2023 at 3:49pm CST by Ben Levine

Patrick Peterson is heading to the AFC. The veteran cornerback is signing with the Steelers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter), Peterson will be inking a two-year pact with Pittsburgh. As the reporter notes, Peterson previously stated a desire to play two more seasons, meaning he’ll likely end his illustrious career with the Steelers.

The former All-Pro corner will score a two-year deal worth $14MM, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets, adding $5.85MM is guaranteed. Peterson, 32, had landed one-year pacts in each of the past two seasons. While the former top-five pick said he wanted to stay in Minnesota, the parties will break up after two seasons.

Peterson established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL during his 10 seasons with the Cardinals. The 2011 fifth-overall pick earned eight Pro Bowl nods and a pair of All-Pro recognitions during his time with the organization, culminating in him earning a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

The cornerback signed with the Vikings prior to the 2021 campaign. He was limited to only 13 games during his first season in Minnesota but rebounded by appearing in all 17 contests in 2022, finishing with 66 tackles, five interceptions, and 15 passes defended. He also finished as PFF’s 12th-best cornerback among 118 qualifiers, including one of the best coverage scores at his position. This was the first time Peterson finished in PFF’s top-10 at CB since the 2018 season.

The Steelers were especially in need of a cornerback after losing Cam Sutton to Detroit earlier today. The team also had to move on from William Jackson III earlier this offseason, necessitating at least one move at the position.

CB Patrick Peterson Confirms Desire To Re-Sign With Vikings

January 22nd, 2023 at 4:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

Not much went right for the Vikings on defense this season, and the unit’s performance has already led to notable action in the form of defensive coordinator Ed Donatell being fired. The secondary in particular could see plenty of changes this offseason, but one constant could be another new deal for cornerback Patrick Peterson.

The 32-year-old had a productive second year in Minnesota, having signed a second consecutive one-year contract in the offseason. The value of the latter pact was half that of the first ($4MM as opposed to $8MM), and proved to be a worthwhile move on the team’s part. In November, Peterson made it clear that he intended on remaining with Minnesota and continuing his career for another three seasons.

The former first-rounder racked up five interceptions on the campaign, the second-highest total of his career. He added 15 pass defections, another figure which was reminiscent of his peak performances in Arizona. Those numbers came in addition to relatively solid coverage statistics and an impressive PFF grade of 80.7. To little surprise, Peterson is still interested in re-upping with the Vikings.

“I would love to be there in that purple and gold again and give it a run again just because I love the community there,” he said on the All Things Covered podcast which he co-hosts. “I love the organization. I love the new regime that [the Wilf ownership group has] brought into that building, the trainers, the strength and conditioning staff. It’s just amazing. I truly believe it felt like home for me. I felt like it was a place that I belonged. But we all know it’s a business” (h/t Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press).

The Vikings struggled across the board on defense, but their play through the air (surrendering an average of 266 yards per game, 31st in the league) will likely lead to a number of alterations being made via free agency and the draft. Minnesota is also in an unenviable financial situation with respect to their projected cap space, but if Peterson were to show a willingness to once again play on a short-term, low-cost deal, he could help the team try and rebound on the backend.

Patrick Peterson Eyeing Three More Seasons, Wants To Re-Sign With Vikings

November 4th, 2022 at 5:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

Playing on the second of two one-year Vikings deals, Patrick Peterson is coming off a strong performance — featuring three pass breakups — against his former team. Peterson, who certainly did not downplay the revenge-game component against the Cardinals, is not looking to walk away after this season.

The 32-year-old cornerback wants to play three more seasons to reach 15 for his career, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The eight-time Pro Bowler would prefer to finish his career in Minnesota.

“No doubt about it. I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Peterson said, via Tomasson, on his hopes to stay with the Vikings beyond 2022. “I’m not trying to go anywhere but Minnesota. I love everything around here. I would love to stay put.”

Despite the Vikings shifting to a new regime, the franchise re-signed Peterson. The 10-year Cardinals cornerback, however, stayed on a lower-cost deal — one year, $4MM — compared to the accord he signed with the Rick Spielman–Mike Zimmer regime in 2021 (one year, $8MM).

The 12th-year veteran has played well in Ed Donatell‘s defense. The LSU alum’s 10 pass breakups through seven games are more than he has tallied in a full season since 2013. Peterson’s yards-per-target figure (5.5) and completion percentage allowed as the closest defender (50%) mark improvements from 2021 and major upgrades from his final two Cardinals campaigns. Pro Football Focus rates him 10th among full-time corners this season.

Not many modern-era corners have made it to 15 seasons. Two of the players who did so — Charles Woodson and Ronde Barber — moved to safety to close out their careers. Bouncing back with the Vikings and enjoying an extended Twin Cities stay could secure Peterson, who has not made a Pro Bowl since his 2019 PED suspension, a Hall of Fame nod. The All-Decade-teamer may have already done enough. But the former No. 5 overall pick said will not change positions to extend his career.

“I’m strictly an outside corner, and I feel like I can move well enough,” he said. “When it’s time to change positions, that’s when it’s time for me to retire.”

The Vikings have used Peterson, Cameron Dantzler and slot Chandon Sullivan as their top corners this season. The team drafted Andrew Booth in Round 2 and has Dantzler, a former third-round pick, signed through 2023. Active for three games during his rookie season, Booth has not played a defensive snap yet. His progression could impact Peterson’s future with the franchise, but if the likely Canton-bound cover man continues to play like he has to start the year, Minnesota would probably be interested in a third contract agreement.

NFC North Rumors: Smith, Corbett, Peterson, Udoh

October 31st, 2022 at 11:06pm CST by Ely Allen

One of the biggest headlines of the day was when Baltimore acquired Bears linebacker Roquan Smith in exchange for a second- and fifth-round pick. Lots led to this deal being made, but no one can say the Bears didn’t try to hold on to Smith.

General manager Ryan Poles claimed that the Bears made a contract offer to Smith that contained a “record-setting” piece, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Smith had been representing himself and negotiations have reportedly gone nowhere, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Not only were the negotiations at an impasse but Adam Jahns of The Athletic tells us they were also apparently tenuous enough to change the team’s perception of Smith.

Regardless, negotiations to extend Smith will now fall on the Ravens’ shoulders, and, according to Biggs, the move shows that pretty much anyone on the Bears’ roster is fair game to be traded before tomorrow’s deadline.

Here are a few more rumors from around the NFC North, all coming out of the Twin Cities of Minnesota:

As the trade deadline approaches, an ideal target for the Vikings is Panthers offensive guard Austin Corbett, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News in Minnesota. Minnesota was in on Corbett during his free agency this offseason but lost out to Carolina, who signed him to a three-year, $26.25MM deal. The Vikings would love to add Corbett to anchor an offensive line with several young, impressive players, but it appears that Carolina, justifiably, views him as a core player to build around for the future.
After throwing some shots at Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during his in-game celebrations, Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson expressed some lingering discontentment with his former franchise, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Peterson claimed that someone in the organization used to print out emails from a fan about “how he couldn’t tackle and was washed up” and would leave the letters at his locker in Arizona. Peterson’s jabs make a little more sense with some context about his feelings towards the organization near the end of his tenure.
Vikings backup offensive lineman Oli Udoh was arrested last weekend after allegedly harassing a female patron then scuffling with club security at Club e11even in Miami, according to John Shipley of the Pioneer Press. Udoh and his attorney “dispute the reported facts of the incident,” according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, and head coach Kevin O’Connell told the media that he expects a positive outcome. He participated as usual in practice this week. Udoh was a full-time starter for the Vikings last year but has functioned in a backup capacity this season with rookie second-round pick Ed Ingram taking over as the team’s starting right guard.

Contract Details: Armstead, MVS, Douglas, Peterson, Peppers, Butler, Barnett, Harris

March 31st, 2022 at 5:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are the latest details from contracts recently agreed to around the NFL:

Terron Armstead, T (Dolphins): Five years, $75MM. In addition to a $12MM signing bonus, Armstead’s $43.37MM guarantee includes his 2022 and ’23 base salaries ($1.1MM, $9MM), Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets. Armstead’s $13.25MM 2024 base salary is guaranteed for injury at signing. The deal includes $2.5MM-per-year incentives for playing time and Pro Bowl accolades, Wilson adds (on Twitter).
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR (Chiefs): Three years, $30MM. Valdes-Scantling’s $18MM guaranteed includes a $6MM signing bonus and a fully guaranteed 2022 base salary ($2.56MM), Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes. The Chiefs have some flexibility in 2023. MVS has $6.4MM of his $8.6MM 2023 salary guaranteed for injury at signing; that shifts to a full guarantee if the wideout is on Kansas City’s roster on Day 3 of the 2023 league year. Valdes-Scantling’s $11.6MM 2024 base is nonguaranteed.
Rasul Douglas, CB (Packers): Three years, $21MM. The Packers gave Douglas a $5.3MM signing bonus and have him tied to base salaries of $1.1MM, $2.25MM and $6.25MM, Wilson tweets. Douglas will collect a $2MM roster bonus if he is on Green Bay’s roster on Day 3 of the 2023 league year.
Derek Barnett, DE (Eagles): Two years, $13.2MM. Barnett will see $7MM fully guaranteed, which includes $5.5MM in Year 1 and $1.5MM in Year 2, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes (Twitter links). The Eagles guaranteed $1.5MM of Barnett’s 2023 salary and will guarantee $2MM more of that $7.5MM figure if he is on their roster on Day 3 of the 2023 league year. There are $9MM in incentives available, Wilson tweets.
Malcolm Butler, CB (Patriots): Two years, $9MM. The Patriots only guaranteed the recently unretired cornerback $750K, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe tweets. That comes via a $500K signing bonus and a $250K guarantee of Butler’s 2022 base salary. Butler’s cap numbers check in at $2.22MM and $2.75MM.
Patrick Peterson, CB (Vikings): One year, $4MM. In addition to the $3.5MM guaranteed Peterson will collect, Wilson notes the Vikings included $1MM in playing-time and playoff incentives (Twitter link). The team tacked a void year onto the deal.
Anthony Harris, S (Eagles): One year, $2.5MM. The Eagles are guaranteeing $1MM of Harris’ $2MM base salary, Wilson tweets.
Jabrill Peppers, S (Patriots): One year, $2MM. The Patriots are giving Peppers a $300K signing bonus and guaranteeing his $1.1MM base salary, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. The deal includes $3MM in playing-time incentives.

Vikings To Re-Sign Patrick Peterson

March 30th, 2022 at 5:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Vikings have changed GMs and coaching staffs, Patrick Peterson will return for a second season in Minnesota.

The All-Decade cornerback said during an appearance on the All Things Covered podcast (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero) he is re-signing with the Vikings on a one-year deal. The deal is worth $4MM, including $3.5MM in guaranteed money, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on Twitter). This will be Peterson’s 12th NFL season.

Minnesota gave the former Arizona star corner a one-year, $8MM deal in 2021. New GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah praised the Mike Zimmer-era signing recently, and the eight-time Pro Bowler will aim to make an impact in new DC Ed Donatell‘s system. Peterson, who will turn 32 this summer, played 13 games with the Vikings last season. A few other teams — the Bills, Bears, Colts and Commanders — also expressed interest, Peterson said (via the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson; Twitter links).

After regressing toward the end of his Cardinals tenure, which featured a 2019 PED suspension, the former top-five pick performed better in his first Vikes campaign. Peterson allowed a 67% completion rate as the nearest defender in coverage in 2020; he dropped that number to 56% last season. Peterson’s passer rating-against figure also dropped considerably (98.2 to 78.7) in that span. While the 6-foot-1 cover man is not the player he was at his peak, he remains a capable starter.

The Vikings waived Bashaud Breeland late last season; he ended the season with the Cards. Former Minnesota first-round corner Jeff Gladney is also with Arizona, having signed with the NFC West squad this offseason. Minnesota returns Cameron Dantzler, who started seven games last year, and signed slot defender Chandon Sullivan from Green Bay. The Vikings also added potential depth pieces in Nate Hairston and Tye Smith this week. Even with Peterson’s return, the Vikings still have a need at the position. Peterson expects the team to further address cornerback in the draft (Twitter link via Tomasson).

Latest On Vikings’ Patrick Peterson, Anthony Barr

March 24th, 2022 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

The top two remaining free agents the Vikings have are cornerback Patrick Peterson and linebacker Anthony Barr. According to Chris Tomasson of The St. Paul Pioneer Press, the former is more likely to remain in Minnesota than the latter.

As Tomasson notes, Peterson has spoken often about wanting to remain with the team. The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $8MM deal last offseason after a decade with the Cardinals. His level of play – 45 tackles and one interception in 13 games – led to a PFF grade of 63. That is a long way from the All-Pro standard he set during his time in Arizona, but it could be enough to earn him an extended stay in his new home.

“Pat Pete’s a great person, a great player in this league for a long time”, said general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. “You want to make sure you respect a player of his caliber, his expertise in this league, but also the reality of the situation we’re in from a salary-cap standpoint.”

As for Barr, 30, Tomasson notes that the acquisition of Za’Darius Smith could lead him elsewhere. Between Smith and Danielle Hunter – whom the team could be looking to extend, rather than trade, as once thought – the Vikings appear to be set at the OLB spot in their new 3-4 scheme. The four-time Pro Bowler has been with the team since 2014, but has missed 20 games over the past two seasons. A new contract would be complicated by the fact he already carries of dead money cap charge of $10.8MM.

“That’s going to be a tougher situation to navigate”, Adofo-Mensah said of Barr. “Never say never. Obviously, there are things salary-cap related with acceleration and things like that that made that kind of a challenging deal.”

At present, the Vikings likely have enough cap room to afford bringing back one, but not both, of Peterson and Barr. From a positional standpoint, the former has a clearer path to being a starter, which explains the team’s openness to a new contract. If that does come to fruition, Barr could very well be in Peterson’s position from one year ago, needing to find a new team after several high-quality years with the one that drafted him.

Vikings Place Patrick Peterson On Reserve/COVID-19 List

November 29th, 2021 at 3:17pm CST by Zachary Links

The Vikings announced that they have placed Patrick Peterson on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. As a result, the cornerback may be withheld from this Sunday’s game against the Lions.

Peterson already missed a huge chunk of the season with a hamstring injury. He returned to action in Week 11 to face the Packers and suited up on Sunday in San Francisco, playing on all 70 of Minnesota’s defensive snaps.

In theory, the All-Decade cornerback can still play this week, provided that he is vaccinated, asymptomatic, and able to pass two COVID-19 tests. If he’s unvaccinated, he’ll be required to spent at least ten days in isolation.

P2 declined a bit towards the end of his Arizona tenure, but he’s fared better in Minnesota so far. The eight-time Pro Bowler has allowed a ~60% completion rate in coverage, much improved from his 67% figure of 2020.

Peterson will hope for a quick return to help lift the Vikings’ playoff chances. And, even if the Vikings fall out of the race, the veteran could use the rest of the slate as a platform for his next deal. P2 is slated for free agency in March, following the expiration of his one-year, $8MM deal.

Vikings Activate Patrick Peterson From IR

November 20th, 2021 at 3:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

Minnesota’s two highest-profile secondary cogs will be back for the team’s latest Aaron Rodgers matchup. After the Vikings moved Harrison Smith off the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, they activated Patrick Peterson.

Both Smith and Peterson had missed the past two games, with Peterson being down for the past three due to the current IR rule. But the All-Decade cornerback healed from his hamstring malady in short time and will return in time for his first Vikings-Packers matchup.

After multiple down years to close his Arizona tenure, Peterson has fared better in Minnesota. The eight-time Pro Bowler has allowed a 59% completion rate in coverage, way down from the 67% figure of 2020. His return stands to aid a Vikings pass defense against the reigning MVP.

The Vikings gave Peterson a one-year, $8MM deal in March, ending his 10-season stay with the Cardinals. With the Vikes releasing 2020 first-round pick Jeff Gladney, after his offseason arrest, Peterson joined Mackensie Alexander as key veteran support. After ranking 25th in pass defense last season, the Vikings sit 14th through nine games.

Vikings Designate Patrick Peterson For Return, Activate Harrison Smith

November 17th, 2021 at 10:48am CST by Sam Robinson

The Vikings have been playing without their secondary anchors for a bit, but both Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson are on track to suit up again soon.

Minnesota activated Smith from its reserve/COVID-19 list and designated Peterson for return Wednesday. Peterson went on IR with a hamstring injury Oct. 18. Should he return Sunday against the Packers, it will mark a minimum three-game absence for the decorated cornerback. Minnesota has 21 days to activate Peterson.

Smith missed two games after contracting the coronavirus, ending a four-season stretch without a multigame absence. But the five-time Pro Bowl safety will be back in uniform for the Vikings’ pivotal divisional matchup in Week 11. Pro Football Focus has graded Smith as a top-20 safety this season, bestowing such a distinction on offseason addition Xavier Woods as well.

After multiple down years to close his Arizona tenure, Peterson has fared better in Minnesota. The All-Decade corner has allowed a 59% completion rate in coverage, way down from the 67% figure of 2020. The veterans’ returns stand to aid a Vikings pass defense that ranks 14th through nine games.