NFL veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson signed a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Peterson spent the 2022 season with the Minnesota Vikings but has also played for the Arizona Cardinals.
Steelers gave former Vikings’ CB Patrick Peterson a two-year contract, per source. He wanted to play at least two more seasons, so contract matches his wishes.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
Patrick Peterson, Pittsburgh Steelers, Agree to Contract
In 2022, Peterson had a bit of a renaissance. The former three-time All-Pro cornerback had his best year since 2018 and many thought he was worthy of a Pro Bowl selection. The 32-year-old snagged five interceptions on the season (his second-highest tally in a season in his career) and defended 15 passes. Despite being one of the league’s oldest starting cornerbacks, Peterson appeared to have re-gained some physicality. He made 66 tackles on the year, a career-high. Peterson’s impressive 80.7 PFF grade for the 2022 season tells the full story.
Peterson was drafted by the Cardinals with the fifth-overall pick in the stacked 2011 NFL Draft. He had an impressive rookie year and was named to the first-team All-Pro as a kick returner. Peterson returned four punts for touchdowns that season and was ranked #55 on the NFL’s top-100 list.
Following his rookie year, Peterson grew into a shutdown corner throughout the 2010s. He was highly regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in man coverage. Due to his reputation, many quarterbacks were forced into avoiding Peterson’s side of the field. After 10 successful seasons with the Cardinals, the eight-time Pro Bowler left the team on sour terms. This was partly due to Peterson’s PED scandal in the 2018 season, which saw him miss six games that year.
The Vikings signed Peterson in the 2021 offseason. With a fresh start waiting, Peterson reinvented himself in Ed Donatell’s cover-2 scheme. His first year in Minnesota was unspectacular but 2022 was a marked difference. His strong year was coupled with an increased presence in the locker room. The Vikings leaned on his leadership heavily and he was a key leader in their famous comeback victory against the Indianapolis Colts.
What happened at halftime?
“Patrick Peterson said all we need is five touchdowns. I thought he was being sarcastic.” https://t.co/yZBbxY8qxS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2022
Main Photo: Daniel Bartel – USA Today Sports
