Another Cardinals legend has come back home. Following Calais Campbell's return to Arizona, cornerback Patrick Peterson is reportedly retiring as a Cardinal. The duo of announcements brings back fond memories of a homegrown defense complete with star players.
Adam Schefter reported that Peterson will sign with the Cardinals on Monday to retire with the team that drafted him. According to the report, Peterson will not be playing with the Cardinals this season. He will retire immediately after signing with the team. Peterson has not been on a roster since 2023.
Patrick Peterson to retire a Cardinal
Top-five picks in the NFL Draft are rarely used on cornerbacks. When they are, the player is expected to become one of the best in the league. Patrick Peterson did just that during his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals drafted Peterson, the former LSU cornerback, with the fifth overall pick back in 2011. Peterson was a highly-touted prospect with excellent tape and impressive production. He immediately became a contributor in the Cardinals defense.
Peterson was voted into the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons in the NFL. He was named to an All-Pro team three times during his Cardinals tenure. During that stretch, he was considered to be one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.
In his ten seasons with the Cardinals, Patrick Peterson totaled 28 interceptions. He was regarded as a "lockdown corner" in an era when few players truly fit the description. Peterson was the leader of one of the best Cardinals secondary units in recent memory.
After his time in Arizona, Peterson had short stints with both the Vikings and Steelers. He will always be remembered as a Cardinal.
With the announcement of his impending retirement, the question of whether Peterson is Hall-of-Fame bound arises. Few cornerbacks in the last 20 years have enjoyed a stretch of play as consistent and dominant as Peterson's run in Arizona. As soon as he becomes eligible for a spot in Canton, he deserves to be part of the conversation at the very least.
The (almost) end of an era
Patrick Peterson's retirement serves as a reminder of days gone by for Cardinals fans. He will be remembered as one of the best defenders in Arizona Cardinals history.
Peterson is one of the last remaining members of the early-2010's Cardinals. Coincidentally, another member of those teams recently returned in Calais Campbell. By signing both players, the Cardinals have tied their memorable past to their bright future.