The Arizona Cardinals would be setting a bad precedent by giving in to Patrick Peterson‘s desire to be shipped out of town
The Arizona Cardinals’ star cornerback left them little choice. Attempting to strong-arm a franchise into trading you is not a great way to punch your ticket out of town. Patrick Peterson and his agent are most likely aware of that by now.
The Cards’ seven-time Pro Bowler has made it abundantly clear that he no longer wants to be with the organization. Michael Bidwill, however, is smart enough to know that you don’t send talented contributors like Peterson away. In fact, Arizona’s team President met with the 28-year old this past Tuesday to let him know personally that his request was not going to be granted.
And rightfully so. Allowing players to just bail on your squad when the going gets rough sets a bad precedent. If the Cardinals bowed to Peterson’s pleas, who’s to say that more unhappy campers wouldn’t want out as well.
Getting rid of Peterson would’ve been a huge mistake. Shutdown corners do not grow on trees. Especially ones who are in the prime of their career and are under contract for the next two seasons at an extremely reasonable rate.
You know what you have with a stud like Peterson. Whatever compensation you’d receive for the 28-year old, even high draft picks, would most likely not be enough. We’ve all witnessed general manager Steve Keim miss frequently on draft selections, first-rounders included.
It’s scary to think about how bad the Cards’ defense would be without Peterson. Keim is well aware of how hard it’s been to find a number-two cover guy. Having to find two quality cornerbacks would probably be an impossibility for this particular front office.
Bravo to Arizona for not giving in to Peterson. If a turnaround is in the club’s future, holding on to their best performers is a must. No matter how unhappy those employees may be.