Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson will become a free agent after next season and speculation has risen about whether or not he will hold out next season for a larger contract.
Finishing his third year with the Cards, Peterson is in his $18.5 million, four-year deal he signed after he was drafted in 2011. Under the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement players can start renegotiating their contracts after Year 3 of their rookie deal.
“I can’t speak on that right now,” Peterson told Pro Football Talk on Tuesday. “Me and my agent (Joel Segal), haven’t talked about some of those possibilities. But hopefully we can get something done. If something were to happen, we restructure my deal or anything like that, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
After restructuring wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald’s contract the Cardinals have $9.4 million to spend this offseason, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Fitzgerald is set to earn more than $23 million in 2015 while Peterson is set to make just $2.9 million next season.
Peterson fired his former agent, Pat Lawlor, late last season and hired Segal who’s agency, Lagardère Unlimited, is the third-most valuable in the world according to Forbes. One of Segal’s largest clients is Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, who held out in 2011 and missed all of training camp and the first three preseason games.
The cornerback out of LSU has made the Pro Bowl all three years of his NFL career so far. Recording 42 tackles and three interceptions last season, he has established himself as both one of the best defenders and most dangerous returners in the league. Peterson has also created a reputation both on and off the field, and it’s obvious his motive is to play football, and play well.
To agree with ESPN.com Cardinals reporter John Weinfuss, he should play in 2014 regardless of what transpires. If he doesn’t get a new deal over the offseason, he will get paid in a larger one after next season. Expect Peterson to suit up in 2014.