Arizona Cardinals hope to extend Patrick Peterson’s contract
By Jim Koch
Recent reports indicate that the Arizona Cardinals are looking to add years to the contract of their eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback
The 2019 campaign was hardly memorable for a certain member of the Arizona Cardinals. For the first time in his career, Patrick Peterson failed to receive an invitation to the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl. A six-game suspension, followed by some extremely uneven play when he returned, made the cornerback’s ninth year in the league an utterly forgettable one.
Recent reports suggest, however, that the Cards front office was not turned off by Peterson’s erratic performance last season. It appears as if the organization that drafted the talented cover guy back in 2011 wants to keep him around for years to come. In fact, there are indications that the two sides may be working on a contract extension for Peterson at this very moment.
There are many who follow the Cardinals who could very well be surprised by that news. Peterson’s league-mandated absence from the squad for PED use was both shocking and disappointing. A contingent of Arizona fans firmly believed that the franchise could elect to move on from the controversial 29-year old this offseason.
Back in October, trade rumors involving Peterson were picking up steam. There was talk that the Cards could obtain a first-round draft pick for the 6’1, 203 pound corner. In the end, general manager Steve Keim decided to stand pat, but Peterson’s up and down performance led some to believe that perhaps he should’ve been dealt.
Peterson returned in week seven, and had an impressive outing against the New York Giants. His work during the next six contests, however, left alot to be desired. Peterson was being beaten consistently in pass-coverage, and he also appeared to shy away from tackling at times.
From week 15 through 17, Peterson underwent a dramatic turnaround. The veteran finally looked like the shutdown cornerback that had seemingly gone away for awhile. Pro Football Focus, a highly-respected website, had Peterson ranked as the top player at his position during the last three matchups of ’19.
Peterson has one campaign left on the five-year, $70 million extension he signed back in 2014. According to Spotrac.com, the former LSU product will earn a base salary of just over $12 million this coming fall. Peterson’s $13.1 million cap figure could conceivably be lowered if he and the Cardinals can agree on a brand new extension this offseason.
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Arizona’s front office apparently believes that Peterson’s fantastic finish in ’19 will carry over into next season. Keim and company are putting their faith into one of the franchise’s greatest performers of all time. If Peterson can regain his old form, the Cards beleaguered defense could experience a dramatic turnaround in 2020.