In a video interview with Adam Schefter, Peterson notes that he’s interested in playing for the Cincinnati Bengals:
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Schefter asks Peterson about teams that “appeal” to the veteran corner. “Man, I really like what the Bengals have,” Peterson explains, “they have a quarterback.” To be clear, Peterson’s comment should not be interpreted as an insult on Kirk Cousins. Instead, he’s merely noting that Cincinnati is set up well to win.
The veteran touts his ability to be a “quality cover” player to help with the challenges in the AFC playoffs. Not too long afterwards, he mentions the Cowboys and Eagles as options, as well.
Jan 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) returns an interception for a 66 yard touchdown as safety Harrison Smith (22) follows off a pass by Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Peterson’s openness to playing elsewhere comes after consistently explaining that he’d like to return to Minnesota. On Vikings Territory, Dustin Baker has discussed the situation at various points. Dustin relays a now well-known quote from the All Things Covered Podcast:
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. I love the organization. I love the new regime that [was] 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.
Moreover, Chris Tomasson relayed that Patrick Peterson was not only looking to go back to Minnesota, but to break the news about another deal on the same podcast where he has expressed his desire to keep playing for the Vikings:
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Last week, we learned that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell decided to move on from Cameron Dantzler. Doing so creates an even more urgent need at corner, a position that is already ultra thin. Failing to bring Peterson back would further exacerbate the need.
Duke Shelley is another possibility to help beef up the corner depth. As of right now, the scrappy corner is still heading toward free agency.
Last year, Peterson had a very modest $4 million contract. Given his level of play, Peterson is likely looking for a larger deal. He started all 17 games in 2022. He had 5 INTs, 15 PDs, and 66 tackles. All together, he played more than 1100 defensive snaps, allowing a mere 59.6% of passes into his coverage to be completed.
At 32 (he’ll be 33 before the season begins), Peterson is getting toward the end of his NFL career. In other words, he won’t have too many more chances to cash in on reasonably large paydays.
Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) reacts in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Furthermore, his chances of winning a Super Bowl are also dwindling. The teams he highlights are all ones that will have a chance in 2023. It’d be super surprising to see Peterson go to a rebuilding team. The future Hall of Famer wants a ring before his career is done.
If the short clip from Adam Schefter is any indication, Patrick Peterson may have to pursue that ring for a team other than the Minnesota Vikings.
Even if Peterson returns, corner is possibly the team’s main need. Plenty of this year’s top free agents are corners. Stay tuned.