It was back in the offseason of 2021, before Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman were fired, that the MN Vikings signed veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson, who spent decade of his NFL career racking up Pro Bowls with the Arizona Cardinals.

Former Minnesota Vikings CB Patrick Peterson retiring as a Cardinal

On Friday, after playing one season in Pittsburgh, news broke that Peterson will be signing a one day contract in Arizona on Monday, in order to retire as a member of the Cardinals organization, where he played the first 154 games of his career, which included all three of his first team All-Pro nods and all eight of his Pro Bowl appearances.

Eight-time Pro-Bowl CB Patrick Peterson will be in Arizona on Monday to retire as a Cardinal, per source. Peterson played 13 years in the NFL, including his first 10 seasons in Arizona, where he was a three-time All-Pro selection.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 11, 2025

Peterson played two seasons in purple, totalling 111 tackles, 6 interceptions and 20 passes defensed in 30 total games. He was one of the many veteran defensive backs who helped bridge the gap from Zimmer to Donatell, but left Minnesota the same offseason Brian Flores was hired as defensive coordinator.

According to Pro Football Reference, Patrick Peterson has a “Hall of Fame Monitor” score of 86.10. The average score of an HOF defensive back is 96.93. Nonetheless, Peterson has the highest HOF Monitor score of any defensive back not currently in the Hall.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Miss on Another Veteran QB

Everyone around him — including LeRoy Butler (86.5), Steve Atwater (86.28), Cliff Harris (85.28) and Aeneas Williams — are already HOF. Assuming Peterson doesn’t come out of retirement, he will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028, where he’ll likely be a cinch 1st ballot vote.

Peterson, who played two of his 13 NFL seasons in Minnesota (’21, ’22), is currently spending Sundays on his couch, watching football games at home. And on Friday, the 34-year-old, 8x Pro Bowler and 3x All-Pro went on the Zach Gelb Show (Infinity Sports Network), where he told host Zach Gelb (Audacy, Infinity Sports) that he is NOT retired. He’s just waiting for the right team to call.

Patrick Peterson wants back in with the Minnesota Vikings

Gelb mentions the Chiefs, Vikings and Lions as a few of the contenders who would make sense for Peterson. He responds with a yes, and says he is essentially waiting for one of those contending teams to call with the right offer.

Then, the host dives deeper into the Vikings… and Peterson dove right in after him, pretty much admitting that he wants the Minnesota Vikings to bring him back. P2 points to Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores, then dives into just how much he loved playing here.

Former @Vikings CB Patrick Peterson is interested in a return to Minnesota 👀

"I would like to be there too, man. I love the coaching staff there. Coach Kevin had an opportunity to build a solid relationship over the nine months that I was with him and it's just a great feel and… pic.twitter.com/tlyOBsFf5T

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 13, 2024

Gelb: “Patrick Peterson, so how about your future? Like alright, it’s one thing to not be there for training camp, it’s one thing to not be there for the first few weeks of the regular season… are you definitely done [playing football]? If a team like, I don’t know, Minnesota calls you and says, ‘hey Pat you want to join us for the second half of the season’, are you done with the NFL or are you still leaving the book open?”

Peterson: “I’m still leaving the book open, Zach. I’m still training. I’m still working out because, you know, my mind is still in it. It’s not like I cannot physically play or I feel like I can’t physically give my best. I feel like I still have, you know, enough in the tank to help a team win. But, you know, that decision is out of my hands, so for the most part I’m doing everything that I need to do just in case the phone do ring.”

Gelb: “So Kansas City, Minnesota, Detroit, Baltimore any of these teams listening, give Patrick a call is what I’m what I’m hearing”

Peterson: “Exactly.”

Gelb: “I don’t know if they need you, man, but I’d like to see you return, if you are, to Minnesota. I think that’d be fun.”

Peterson: “Oh yeah, I would like to be there too man. I love the coaching staff there. Me and Coach Kevin [O’Connell] had the opportunity to build a solid relationship over the nine months that I was with him. And it’s just a great feel and a great organization to be around, great guys to be around and show up to go to work with every day.”

Zach Gelb Show – Audacy/Infinity Sports Network

Would Peterson be a good fit with 2024 Vikings?

Honestly, I love the idea of Patrick Peterson rejoining the Minnesota Vikings for their stretch run. You can never have too many heady, bright cornerbacks in your secondary. Could Brian Flores find a way to plug P2 in next to Byron Murphy Jr, Shaq Griffen and Stephon Gilmore? If so, he’d be a perfect (minimal cost) addition for the upcoming stretch run.

Related: Controversial NFL Insider Floats Minnesota Vikings QB Trade That Would Rock the NFL

Peterson would know the crowded secondary he’s coming into, so egos shouldn’t be a problem. Would it stunt the growth of Akayleb Evans and other young CBs? Maybe, but when you feel like you have a chance at winning the Super Bowl, you can’t worry about things like that. He’d be a GREAT addition on special teams too.

Pittsburgh's Patrick Peterson's perfect plays 🔥 @P2 | @Steelers pic.twitter.com/GrDtaxp8cW

— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2023

In his 1st ballot Hall of Fame career, Patrick Peterson has accumulated 36 interceptions and 122 passes defended. Six of those interceptions and 20 passes defended came while playing in Minnesota. He’s also racked up 652 total tackles (111 in MIN) and recovered an incredible 19 fumbles (0 in MIN).

Combine Blackmon’s injury with losing Khyree Jackson and suddenly, the Vikings’ cornerback depth looks shaky, at best. That’s not good for a team that already entered camp with several question marks when it comes to pass coverage. However, it’s not the end of the world for Brian Flores’s defense, as there are still several potential starting cornerbacks available, either via trade or in free agency.

Here are six potential solutions that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has likely already considered.

Related: Vikings Pay Homage to Khyree Jackson at Training Camp

Vikings could turn to an old friend, Patrick Peterson

If the Vikings want to solve their cornerback depth needs in free agency, then Patrick Peterson may be the perfect solution. Somehow the eight-time Pro Bowl CB remains unsigned despite starting 46 games across the past three seasons, including 30 for the Vikings. While he’s never played for Brian Flores, he’s had to learn enough defensive schemes in his 13-year career that making the necessary adjustments shouldn’t be difficult.

After allowing a respectable passer rating of 80.4 when targeted last season, he’d be a solid addition to an unstable cornerback room. But the questions surrounding whether the 34-year-old can still play at a high level are valid too.

Related: Who Makes the Final Cut in Minnesota Vikings Secondary, Who Doesn’t?

Stephon Gilmore may be just what Vikings need

Another multi-time All-Pro who’s bounced around to several teams over the past few seasons, Stephon Gilmore is still searching for a new role entering his 13th season. He graded much higher than Peterson last season while playing for a Cowboys passing defense that allowed the seventh-fewest yards per reception in 2023. He also allowed a passer rating of 83.3 while intercepting two passes and racking up 68 tackles, starting all 17 games last year.

Like many others on this list, who knows how much gas the 33-year-old former Super Bowl champion has left in the tank? Yet, the Vikings could do a lot worse than Gilmore, and he’s even spent two seasons on a Patriots staff that included Coach Flores.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Fan Favorite Returns

Does James Bradberry still have ‘it’?

Now we get to a player who’s not a free agent, but could very well be on the trade block. For the first time in James Bradberry’s career, he’s working as a safety instead of at cornerback, and he’s not even practicing with the first-team Philadelphia Eagles defense.

This is partially due to the Eagles adding defensive backs with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft but also because of a ‘down’ year that saw him allow a passer rating of 108.6 when targeted last season. That’s not exactly good and a far cry from the 54.2 rating he allowed in 2022 when Bradberry was named a second-team All-Pro.

The question is whether Bradberry simply had a bad season or whether he’s lost a significant step, which, again, could be why he’s being tried as a safety, which typically requires less speed. However, he could benefit from a fresh start, and the Vikings could present the perfect opportunity.

Related: Where Do Minnesota Vikings Stand in Pre-Training Camp Power Rankings?

Former Pro Bowl CB J.C. Jackson fits the mold

Another cornerback with familiarity playing in a Brian Flores system, J.C. Jackson started his career with the New England Patriots, where he won a Super Bowl. The former Pro Bowl CB with a second-team All-Pro honor to his name has struggled since signing a massive five-year, $82M contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022, but he also dealt with ankle injuries from the jump in LA.

Still just 28 years old, it’s a bit of a surprise to see Jackson still available in free agency. He fits the mold as a big cornerback that Flores seems to adore, as a 6-foot-1, 198-pound athlete. But as mentioned, he just hasn’t played well since leaving New England, combining for a passer rating allowed of 127.3 over the past two seasons. However, if we go back to 2021, Jackson was elite, allowing a passer rating of just 47.8. Can the Vikings recapture that form?

Related: ESPN Not Sold on the Minnesota Vikings for Next Three Seasons

Xavien Howard knows Brian Flores’s scheme very well

You won’t find a cornerback who both knows the scheme, while being excellent playing for Coach Flo than Xavien Howard. He enjoyed three very productive seasons under Flores with the Miami Dolphins from 2019-21, where he twice reached the Pro Bowl, was named a first-team All-Pro and even finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Yet, somehow the 6-foot-1, 203-lb corner who’s nicknamed “X-Factor” remains unsigned in free agency. He’s 31 these days, but this is a player who’s twice led the league in interceptions. But like others listed here, he’s coming off a poor season, by his standards, allowing a passer rating of 86.7. However, if there’s anyone who’s both comfortable and familiar with Howard’s play, it’s Flores.

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings 1st Round Draft Picks of All-Time

Marshon Lattimore may be best CB out there, but is he available?

One player who’s been mentioned as a potential trade candidate is Marshon Lattimore. But is that wishful thinking? The New Orleans Saints haven’t expressed any indication that they want to trade the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback. But we can certainly see the appeal from the Vikings’ perspective.

Not to mention, the Saints perpetually find themselves in ‘cap hell’ each offseason. Moving off from Lattimore’s $14.6 million cap hit could be valuable for New Orleans, especially before his cap number spikes to $31.4M in 2025. A trade may lead to the Vikings restructuring Lattimore’s contract.

But again, the Saints might prefer to see if they can be competitive in an unpredictable NFC South division before considering a Lattimore trade. Then again, an offer too good to refuse could do the trick if Adofo-Mensah can work his magic.

Related: 6 Vikings Training Camp Battles that Matter in 2024

But Minnesota has had several other notable names start in the secondary since, including three-time All-Pro Patrick Peterson, he just never earned those honors during his two-year stint with the Vikings from 2021-22. Yet, that doesn’t mean his arrival didn’t make an impact on the younger players in the locker room who were enamored with the future Hall of Famer.

Josh Metellus was one of the players who Peterson left a strong impression on. The young safety was entering his second season in 2021 when Peterson arrived, with 154 games of starting experience. While Peterson is no longer with the Vikings, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did add another experienced vet to Brian Flores’ defense this offseason, and according to Metellus, he’s already making an impact.

Shaquill Griffin = Patrick Peterson with Minnesota Vikings?

Buried in Alec Lewis’ latest from The Athletic, the Vikings beat reporter detailed the feisty, competitive nature Griffin is bringing to Minnesota’s secondary. Griffin could reportedly be seen “jawing” with Justin Jefferson following an incompletion during 7-on-7 drills this past Thursday. The 28-year-old cornerback was enjoying every bit of the encounter, and as Lewis stated, his “confidence is unmistakable.”

This is exactly what the secondary needs more of, and Metellus recognizes it too.

“It almost gives me that same feeling as Patrick Peterson when he came into the building. He’s a guy who has seen a lot of football, and he’s giving us tidbits, especially the young guys in the corner room.”

Josh Metellus on Shaquill Griffin’s impact on Minnesota Vikings

Griffin may not have any All-Pro accolades, but he was named to a Pro Bowl team in 2019. Yet, he also brings 89 games (79 starts) of experience to a young Vikings secondary that has yet to define its pecking order behind Byron Murphy.

And while the Vikings were getting Peterson at the age of 31, Griffin is in his athletic prime, at the age of 28. The only question is whether he can return to the borderline elite form that he displayed during his Seahawks career.

With Flores barking out play calls and putting players in the right position, having Griffin establish himself as an above-average corner could be crucial in improving the team’s 24th-ranked passing defense from a season ago.

Recent: Minnesota Vikings ‘Blown Away’ by Recent Signee’s Workout

Dalvin Tomlinson, Patrick Peterson off to Free Agency

Sure, Patrick Peterson’s dead cap number for next season is just $750K, so it’s possible we see him return after testing free agency. The same cannot be said about Tomlinson. In his case, the Vikings would have worked out a new contract prior to his fat $7.5 million dead cap charge officially hitting the books.

Luke Braun (Locked on Vikings, Patreon) was first to bring attention to Tomlinson and Peterson’s expiring contracts. His findings were confirmed by Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) shortly after.

The language in Tomlinson’s contract says his deal voids if he is still on the roster on the 23rd day preceding the new league year, which begins on March 15. So yes, that would be today. https://t.co/7ZkUgwEs0t

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) February 20, 2023

Pretty safe, I think. If they wanted him back, was way more efficient to negotiate that right away after the season ended. Flores might want more of a true pass rusher next to Phillips.

Bummer! https://t.co/EurtScswmy

— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) February 20, 2023

What’s next?

Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson were two of the best defensive players on the Vikings roster last season and many fans hoped they’d be back. Peterson is certainly past his prime but he’s competent, affordable and a reunion is still possible.

Tomlinson, on the other hand, is 29-years-old and still playing high-level football. He will be one of the most-coveted interior defensive linemen available in free agency and count $7.5 million against the Minnesota Vikings salary cap, no matter where he ends up.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

"Kyler Murray don't care about nobody but Kyler Murray"

Patrick Peterson comments on what's going on with his former team the Cardinals, since they are always in the news.

Full discussion ????https://t.co/imFgoT1fgs pic.twitter.com/1XYkBTJKzT

— All Things Covered (@ATCoveredPod) November 30, 2022

This isn’t true…you on some weird shit @p2 you got my number, if you really felt like this as a “big bro” or “mentor” you supposed to call me and tell me, not drag me so your podcast can grow… https://t.co/MFqbMKh3la

— Kyler Murray (@K1) December 1, 2022

Peterson fires back

As could’ve been expected, Patrick Peterson fired back at Kyler Murray on Thursday during the Vikings scheduled media session. During the interview, P2 somewhat doubled down on his original comments, though he dawdled through it quite a bit, adding at the end that he did not have Kyler Murray’s number, like the Cardinals’ QB had assumed

After finding it through a third party, Peterson texted Kyler. He’s yet to get a response. Stay tuned…

Murray tweeted last night that Peterson has his number and should reach out. Peterson in fact did not have his number but got one from an ex-teammate. Texted. No reply yet but looks forward to talking. Full quotes in a bit.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 1, 2022

Patrick Peterson explained the comment he made about Kyler Murray. He also said today he asked a former teammate for Murray's number and sent the number a text but hadn't spoken yet with Murray directly. pic.twitter.com/feb6HHe4ua

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 1, 2022

Peterson’s comments on Kyler Murray were savage in nature but that’s, in part, why the All Things Covered podcast is successful. When the clip above begins, for example, P2 is running down his former (Murray’s current) coach, Kliff Kingsbury. Nobody is safe.

What Murray should be more concerned about is why so many around the league seem to look down on him as a below average teammate. Because where there is smoke, there is usually fire. If Kyler doesn’t want his bad teammate reputation to stick forever, it might be time for some soul searching.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Rookies are already reporting to Training Camp across the NFL. First year Vikings are scheduled to arrive at TCO Performance Center by July 24 and the rest of the team on July 26. Patrick Peterson, on a new episode of his “All Things Covered” podcast, previewed the upcoming season and had a lot of good nuggets for fans to chew on.

New Defense > Old Defense

What stuck out to me most, however, was Peterson’s excitement to play in Ed Donatell’s defense. He too, had clearly gotten sick of the well-known complexities of Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme. All the checks, the audibles, the communication skills, the CONFUSION. P2 clearly believes the simplicity of this new scheme will reverberate positively through all levels of the defense (11:15 mark — Transcribed Below).

“I think the defense is gonna be a night and day difference, in my opinion. Having the opportunity to just line up and play football. There aren’t many checks, aren’t many audibles. We’re forcing teams to beat us We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, trying to come up with crazy blitzes, these crazy zones. Just lineup and play football.” – Patrick Peterson (All Things Covered Podcast)

“With the scheme that we have, it’s definitely going to put us in position to be successful on all levels. From the d-line, to the linebackers, to the backend. I had an opportunity to see it close up in person, playing against Ed [Donatell] and the 49ers back in the day, my first couple years in Arizona. I saw how it worked. And I had [eventual teammates] that came out of that system. [I got to] hear some of the stories they were able to share on just how easy and how fluent [Ed Donatell’s] defense was. It was never really no loose ends. Everybody was always on the same page because there was never no, ‘if somebody motions, we checking to this’. If we have one call and that call is not suitable for us to win on that down, yes, we’ll audible out of that then. But there’s not much talking. You get the call, you lineup and play football.” – Patrick Peterson (All Things Covered Podcast)

Proactive vs Reactive

Peterson’s comments aren’t surprising, but they do provide more evidence that Zimmer’s once envied defensive scheme has become outdated. Ed Donatell’s scheme has many of the same key features as what we’ll see from Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Simplicity hidden within a cloud of smoke and mirrors.

Earlier in the show, Pat goes into a few details. We won’t see a lot of blitzing but, thanks to the 3-4 base scheme, the opposing QB and OL won’t know which four rushers are coming. In theory, offensive pre-snap motions shouldn’t cause the same type of confusion, either.

Zimmer’s defense was so intricate and complex that every offensive movement cause change to what they were doing. By definition, they were playing in a reactive nature. Patrick Peterson is expecting a more simple game plan that will change week-to-week, depending on matchups. And once they show up on gameday, you play football. Less thinking, less confusion.

New TCO vibes

Peterson made it clear that he feels no need for playing time during the preseason. The risk for injury isn’t worth what veteran players get out of it. P2 will get all the preparation needed during training camp, especially given the joint practices the Minnesota Vikings have scheduled with the San Francisco 49ers.

The vibes at TCO Performance Center are at an all-time high, under the new leadership of Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi-Adofo Mensah. Peterson isn’t blind to the honeymoon stage the organization is currently in but he’s also mindful of the winning cultures the new coaches have been hired out of.

It’s a unique staff, man. Much different from any other staff I’ve been around. Laid back. There’s always a time and place for everything. But at the same time, they do a great job of having a great balance of work, a good time and getting the job done. It’s been great, thus far, but when the real bullets start flying, that’s when you really get to see how coach reacts. But everybody on the defensive staff have been in the playoffs. Head coach came from a Super Bowl team. So they understand what it takes to make things happen. My trust is all in on those guys because they came from winning. They know what it looks like, know what it takes. – Patrick Peterson (All Things Covered Podcast)

Other highlights of the podcast include Peterson praising Justin Jefferson and his ability to get open vs anyone. He’s pumped to have Za’Darius Smith on the defensive line, too.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

It wasn’t just tackling where the former Boston College standout excelled, while holding down the middle linebacker position for the Carolina Panthers. Luke Kuechly collected 18 interceptions, 12.5 sacks, forced 7 fumbles and recovered 9 of them, during his 8 seasons. If anyone is qualified to give an opinion on NFL defense, it’s Kuechly.

Kuechly Loves Vikings Secondary

So, when the future hall of famer gets on ESPN and tells the world that the best NFL secondary in 2022 is that of the Minnesota Vikings, we should believe him… right?

Here’s the clip of Luke Kuechly labeling the Minnesota Vikings with the best secondary in the NFL.

Luke makes some good points, but will the Vikings fulfill this statement? pic.twitter.com/damBcLqYbZ

— Vikings Central (@VikesCentral) May 11, 2022

“I’m gonna kind of go a different direction. I’m gonna go with the Vikings. Harrison Smith, Patrick Peterson and two young rookies; Lewis Cine out of Georgia and they draft [Andrew] Booth, out of Clemson. I think, when you talk about young guys coming into the league, I think the one important thing is, ‘where do they learn from and who do they learn from’?

You learn from two guys that have played at All-Pro levels for such a long time in Patrick Peterson and Harrison Smith. I’m excited to see young with some old. Patrick Peterson, great ball production. Harrison Smith, kind of a two-way player, can play in the run game and has also had some great ball production in his career, with interceptions and forced fumbles.”

Luke Kuechly (SportsCenter)

Let’s Pump the Brakes

It appears that Luke Kuechly showed up to this segment, prepared for a different question. Maybe, ‘What NFL defense could be underrated and end up surprising us in 2022?’ Either that, or I need some of whatever he’s eating and or smoking during lunch.

Kuechly might be right on Harrison Smith. Entering his 11th season at age 33, The Hitman is yet to show his age and continues to disrupt at all levels of the defense. But, father time is undefeated and the Vikings drafting Lewis Cine tells us they’re preparing for Smith’s decline.

At 32, Patrick Peterson is already far beyond his prime and the advanced metrics over at PFF shows it. Still, quarterbacks prefer to avoid him and he’s certainly still a positive on the field, but especially off of it. P2 has become one of the vocal leaders in a Minnesota Vikings locker room that needed veteran leadership.

Dose of Reality

On a good secondary laden with talent, both Smith and Peterson would be great glue pieces, even later in their careers. A defense where Harrison could feel comfortable roaming around, picking and choosing his opportunities like a lion constantly on the prowl. Maybe a defense where Pat P. could lock onto an opponent’s second-best WR all day, slowly crushing his personal moral.

But on the Vikings’ defense, both veterans will hold responsibilities that require them to perform at the top of their games. That, while babysitting and raising young, unproven talent around them. Patrick Peterson will match up against the best receivers in the league, week in and week out. A responsibility he’s no longer fit for. Smith will be tasked with raising and keeping track of Lewis Cine, while simultaneously making up for mistakes that He (Cine), Cam Dantzler, Andrew Booth and Harrison Hand will undoubtedly make.

Could Cine and Booth catch on faster than most rookies who fill out secondaries throughout the NFL every year? It’s possible, but given their draft slots at No. 32 and 34 respectively, the odds are against that happening. Chandon Sullivan, who was acquired in free agency, is an average slot CB. Cam Dantzler and Harrison Hand have both struggled to show growth through two seasons.

Trying to Imagine…

Yes, the last couple of paragraphs took a more pessimistic view of how 2022 could play out. But after the 36 seconds you watched of Luke “I Love the Vikings” Kuechly, it was warranted. It’s likely that reality lands somewhere between the two extremes (but probably closer to mine).

I just can’t force myself to imagine a 2022 NFL where the Vikings roster what is considered a top secondary. But I certainly hope that Kuechly is right and this blog, come December/January, proves my lack of football knowledge. Because a top secondary would completely change the prospects for the Minnesota Vikings’ upcoming season. Show me a great secondary at US Bank Stadium this fall and I’ll show you a Super Bowl parade in downtown Minneapolis come February.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

But when asked about what he’s hoping to see change, for the upcoming 2022 season, Peterson was quite clear. He wants more targets sent his way. He’s sick of quarterbacks avoiding him.

Patrick Peterson's message to QB's of the NFL: Grow a pair of testicles and throw at him like real men. #Vikings pic.twitter.com/sDBtwW5LFP

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 11, 2022

QB’s Hate Throwing at P2

When looking back at his career, you can see why Patrick Peterson gets frustrated with the lack of targets receivers get when lined up across from him on Sundays. According to PFF, it’s been since 2014 that P2 has been targeted more than 75 times in a season. Back then, offenses realized that bad things happen when you throw in Peterson’s vicinity… so they stopped doing it.

Some years, his coverage grades warrant being avoided. In 2018, 2016 and 2015, Patrick Peterson finished with PFF coverage grades over 80.0. But other years, like 2021 (61.0), 2020 (53.1), 2019 (64.3) and 2017 (68.4), he finished with grades under 70.0. Even when he isn’t playing his best, though, opposing quarterbacks avoid him like the plague. In 2021, 59 cornerbacks were thrown at more often than Peterson. In 2020, 33 CBs saw more targets and in 2019, 71 CB’s saw more. You get the point.

No matter how well he is playing, Patrick Peterson isn’t being thrown at as much as his peers. And it’s not because he isn’t on the field or defending good wide receivers. P2 has played over 900 defensive snaps every season of his career, other than 2021, when he played 884 and 2019, when he dealt with injuries and was on the field for 696 snaps (PFF). it’s Peterson’s reputation is what steers offenses away from him.

Secondary Sidekick Needed

Now we know why Patrick Peterson has been stumping for the Minnesota Vikings to draft another cornerback in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. The only way for him to see more balls come his direction is if quarterbacks and opposing offenses fear other CBs in the Vikings secondary.

In 2021, Bashaud Breeland (85 targets) and Mackensie Alexander (79 targets) both allowed opposing QB’s to complete over 69% of throws against them and allowed QB ratings of over 112.0. Breeland and Alexander were both finished with PFF grades under 46.0. Gross.

There are a few cornerbacks who are mocked to go in the top-15 picks later this month — Stingley Jr (LSU), Sauce Gardner (Cinci), Trent McDuffie (Wash) — and the Vikings, who have pick 12, will certainly be looking for secondary help early and often.

The Top-5 CBs in the NFL Draft, per @PFF_Anthony pic.twitter.com/YiBvwdLGtc

— PFF (@PFF) April 4, 2022

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

CB Patrick Peterson, who spent 2021 with the #Vikings, reveals on his "All Things Covered" podcast that he will be re-signing as a free agent with Vikings

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 30, 2022

Peterson proved in 2022 that he is still valuable both on the field and in the locker room. He had made it very clear throughout the offseason that his goal was to be back in purple in 2023. It took awhile, but the two sides have finally agreed on a one-year deal (updates to come), meaning the Vikings have a legitimate CB in their secondary. I’d still expect Kwesi & Co to look for more of them early in the draft next month.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan