Patrick

Peterson

In Peterson’s lone season with Pittsburgh, Pro Football Focus graded him 82nd among 135 qualifying cornerbacks. Peterson in 2023 had two interceptions and 11 passes defended in a solid Steelers secondary. Headed into his age-34 season, Peterson will probably have to settle for a one-year deal with another team. Look for the veteran to meet with Super Bowl contenders in the coming weeks.

The soon-to-be 33-year-old Peterson played at a high level for the Vikings last season, totaling five interceptions while earning a PFF coverage grade of 82.5 -- his highest since 2018. His two-year deal match lines up with his wishes of playing at least two more seasons as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Peterson joins a Steelers defense that ranked 14th in passing yards allowed per game last season (222.3), and should provide somewhat of an upgrade.

Another three years would have Peterson’s playing into his age-35 season. Peterson said he wants to re-sign in Minnesota, where he’s had a rebound year, posting 10 pass breakups and grading as a top-10 corner at PFF through the first eight games. The Vikings should be open tp bringing Peterson back after signing him to one-year deals the last two offseasons. Second-round CB Andrew Booth has yet to play a defensive snap.

This upcoming season will be Peterson’s age-32 campaign. He’d never missed a game until 2019 and signed with the Vikings last offseason, appearing in 13-of-17 contests due to hamstring issues and a COVID stint. Cornerback was, and still is, a need area for the Vikings, but getting Peterson’s experience back helps. He received middling marks from Pro Football Focus last season, grading out as their No. 74 cover corner out of 129 qualifiers.

Peterson has been in talks with the Vikings and could be brought back after playing out a one-year, $8 million contract. The Vikings signed slot CB Chandon Sullivan but still need a starter opposite Cameron Dantzler. Peterson set five-year lows in tackles (45) and interceptions (1) with the Vikings while missing four games to a hamstring injury and COVID last year, but allowed just two touchdowns and a 78.7 passer rating in coverage. The Eagles have also been linked as a landing spot for the three-time All-Pro.

Peterson was one of several Minnesota defensive starters to miss the team’s Week 13 loss to the Lions. Peterson will return for the team’s Thursday night game against the Steelers, bolstering a secondary that gave up 296 yards and three touchdowns to Jared Goff last week.

At the very least, Michael Pierce (elbow) and Dalvin Tomlinson (COVID) are expected to return, though it’s unclear how much they’ll actually play. Linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks are questionable. All statuses, Peterson’s included, are worth monitoring given Jamaal Williams’ outlook as a touch-based RB2 on Sunday.

Peterson just returned from a stint on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue. When active, he’s only missed defensive snaps in two games this year; the game he was injured in and his first game back. He has a pair of passe defenses and two TFLs across eight contests. Luckily for the Vikings, they get Jared Goff and the Lions this week. If vaccinated, Peterson should be able to return after missing just one game.

Peterson landed on injured reserve following his Week 6 hamstring injury. The Vikings are also getting Harrison Smith, who was brought off the reserve/COVID-19 list, back this week. The returning duo should give them a fighting chance to slow Aaron Rodgers but stopping the reigning MVP entirely has been reserved primarily for the vaccine in 2021. He projects as a QB1 despite the influx of talent in the Minnesota secondary this week.

Peterson has been dealing with a hamstring injury since Week 6 and could make his return this week against the Packers. The Vikings are getting additional help with S Harrison Smith returning from the COVID/reserve list. If Peterson is able to play, he will be a boost to a Vikings defense attempting to slow down Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. The Vikings have a 21-day window to activate Peterson or he will revert to season-ending injured reserve.