Vikings Sign Pro Bowl Cornerback Patrick Peterson

The Minnesota Vikings made another major free agent signing to help bolster their defense on Wednesday. Multiple sources are reporting that Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson and the Vikings have agreed on a one-year deal that is worth up to $10 million after incentives.

Patrick Peterson is an eight-time Pro Bowler who has played his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after they made him the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. In his prime he was an elite shutdown corner who could pretty much eliminate the opposing team's top wide receiver.

After what was a disappointing 2020 season for Peterson, there are many who believe that the 31 year-old has lost a step. While that may be true, he is the kind of elite player who can lose a step and still be of great value to the Vikings. Not only will Peterson bring his skills to field for the Vikings, but he will likely be a tremendous mentor for their very young secondary, which struggled too many times during the 2020 season.  Head coach Mike Zimmer has always been able to get the most out of older cornerbacks in his defense and odds are he can work his magic again here.

This has been a very productive week for the Minnesota Vikings in their mission to improve their poor defensive showing last season, which obviously embarrassed head coach Mike Zimmer. They've signed three free agents who will each help a different level of their defense.

Their first splash into free agency arrived when they agreed to terms with Dalvin Thompson, the top rated DT available.  They then announced the signing of LB Nick Vigil to help roam the middle of the field with Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks. Now, they've added Patrick Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowler, to the backend of the defense.