Locking up Patrick Peterson was a great move by the Cardinals

I’m not sure who is the best cornerback in the NFL.

I just know the Arizona Cardinals have one of the best in Patrick Peterson. And there are about five or six teams that have a guy of that caliber, someone in the conversation of best in the league.

Locking up Peterson to a five-year contract extension with $48 million guaranteed was a no-brainer for the Cardinals brass. And not just because Peterson is a true shutdown corner but because he is the leader of the defense. Yes, at the ripe old age of 24 Peterson is as respected as anyone.

He brings it game in and game out. He wants to be the best but he also cares about winning as much as, if not more than, the money.

Throughout the past year we have discussed Peterson and his contract situation, he has at times hinted about wanting to be paid via social media. And that’s not uncommon in this day and age of big money contracts. But what impressed me is the amount of times he talked about winning. He talked about how be hasn’t been to the playoffs since he arrived in the desert and how the organization hasn’t been there in five years. How that his goal, first and foremost, is winning and leading this Cardinals team to the postseason.

He is a mentor to all players on this roster not just the Honey Badger. He leads by example, stays out of trouble and is willing to do whatever is asked of him.

He is personable, likable and grounded.

Money changes many players. Mainly because those players play for the money more so than the love of the game. I don’t see money changing Patrick Peterson. His love for the game and desire to be the best is greater.

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