One-time Cardinals great’s comments sound like sour grapes

Recent comments from Patrick Peterson about his dealings with Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim show a lack of maturity.

Over four months have now passed since longtime Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson signed a free-agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

In reality, Peterson‘s departure did not come as a tremendous surprise to those who follow the Cards. The 31-year-old was just a shell of the player he once was last season, and not a lot of the team’s fans were lobbying for his return.

During a recent podcast, the obviously spurned Peterson took a bevy of shots at the general manager of the Cardinals. Apparently, the Florida native’s biggest gripe against Steve Keim was the fact that the club’s top decision-maker was not up front with the corner about his status with the squad. Could it really be possible that an 11th-year veteran like Peterson could be so naive about the inner workings of an NFL front office?

Someone up in Minnesota needs to explain to Peterson that professional football, first and foremost, is a business. There’s a very good chance that Keim wasn’t completely against the idea of bringing the former star cover guy back to Arizona. Before committing to Peterson, however, it stands to reason that the GM was looking to see if he could find a better option.

Arizona Cardinals witnessed a steep decline in star cornerback’s play in 2020

The decision to hand Peterson a contract extension in 2021 was not as cut and dry as it was back in 2014. Back then, the eight-time Pro Bowler was arguably the best cornerback in the league. Quite naturally, Peterson’s play has declined significantly seven years later.

According to PFF, Peterson graded out at an ugly 55.2 for his performance last fall. The LSU product allowed 50 receptions on 75 targets last year, and he was burnt for five touchdowns as well. Peterson’s 10 penalties were also the most committed by any defensive back in 2020.

It comes as no surprise that Peterson could land no better than a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Vikings. The agreement is worth $8 million, a salary that is more than $4 million less than he collected from the Cards a year ago.

Many members of the “Red Sea” would openly admit that Keim has some major faults. In fact, a couple of the criticisms that Peterson levied against the executive were right on the money. At the same time, Keim’s handling of the Peterson situation appeared to be completely on the level.

Peterson seems to forget that he was telling people back in 2018 that he “desperately” wanted out of the desert. It may have taken three years, but he finally got his wish.