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, $4M — compared to the accord he signed with the Rick Spielman–Mike Zimmer regime in 2021 (one year, $8M).
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.
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