Patrick Peterson is no longer a cardinal. After a decade in Arizona, the eight-time Pro Bowler is signing a one-year, $ 10 million contract with the Vikings, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
One of the most decorated players in the history of the Cardinals, Peterson was named to the NFL All-2010 team last year. During his 10 years in Arizona, the All-Pro triumph of the first team recorded 499 tackles, 28 interceptions, 91 defended passes and 12 fumble recoveries. Peterson led the Cardinals’ race for a division title and an appearance in the 2015 NFC title game.
In Minnesota, Peterson joins a Vikings defense that finished 29th in the NFL in scoring, 25th in passing, 27th in racing, 16th in third downward efficiency and sixth in red zone efficiency last season. The unit was led by linebackers Eric Wilson (122 tackles, three sacks) and Eric Kendricks (107 tackles) along with security guards Anthony Harris (104 tackles) and Harrison Smith (89 tackles, five interceptions). Wilson and Harris are currently free agents.
Peterson will try to help the Vikings return to the postseason after Minnesota lost the playoffs in 2020. Although the 2020 season was a disappointment, the Vikings received stellar individual efforts from running back Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. Cook finished second in the NFL with 1,557 running yards, while Jefferson’s 88 receptions and 1,400 reception yards broke Randy Moss’s debutant record.
On the first day of free agency, the Vikings agreed to terms with receiver Chad Beebe, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, linebacker Nick Vigil and tackle Rashod Hill. Earlier this month, the team launched veteran offensive tackle Riley Reiff and tight end veteran Kyle Rudolph.