Dealing stud cornerback would debilitate Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
Parting ways with perennial Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson is one move that the Arizona Cardinals should not even think about
Arizona Cardinals’ team President Michael Bidwill has to be a bit perturbed right about now. The club has managed to win just once thus far in 2018, and is arguably the worst squad in the NFL. If that’s not enough to make Bidwill upset, there’s also been talk that his general manager may be willing to jettison the best player on the Cardinals.
If the rumors about Steve Keim listening to trade offers for Patrick Peterson are true, then Bidwill should strongly consider stepping in to stop that from happening. Cards’ fans were told when current head coach Steve Wilks was hired that the organization was retooling, not rebuilding. Dealing a seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback is definitely not the act of a franchise that’s looking to win in the next couple of years.
It’s not as if Peterson is an old man. At 28 years of age, Arizona’s 2011 first-round draft pick is in the prime of his career. Peterson’s play has not dropped off in the least, and there’s no reason to think that the 6’1, 203 pounder can’t give the Cardinals another three or four years of shutdown coverage.
Anything that the Cards could get as compensation for Peterson would not be enough. Even if first-round picks are offered, followers of the team have seen what Keim has done with some of his top selections. Do names like Jonathan Cooper, D.J. Humphries and Robert Nkemdiche tickle anyone’s fancy?
With a stud like Peterson, you know what you have. Arizona management’s difficulty with finding a number-two cornerback over the past few seasons should’ve taught them a lesson. Capable cornerbacks don’t grow on trees, especially special ones like Peterson.
Arizona Cardinals: 3 who played well vs. Vikings. dark. Next
There are ways of improving a club’s Super Bowl chances that don’t include ridding yourself of top-notch performers. The Cardinals are much better off with Peterson on the roster. Bidwill needs to make certain that Keim agrees with that sentiment as well.