Patrick Peterson introduced as member of Vikings with a lot to prove

Former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is out to prove the Minnesota Vikings right for betting on him in free agency.

It was Peterson’s first foray into free agency, but for the 30-year-old, 10-year veteran, it didn’t seem to faze him.

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“I knew I would be playing for a football team, just didn’t know who,” Peterson said. “At the end of the day, I controlled what I could control and what I could control was the film that I put on tape last year.”

Cardinals GM Steve Keim was noncommittal when asked if he had offered Peterson a contract to return to Arizona this season.

“I had a great relationship with Pat, so to have these types of decisions are extremely difficult,” Keim said on a Zoom call on Monday.

“We wish Pat the best and are excited about his opportunity in Minnesota.”

Peterson’s new opportunity in the NFC North was fueled by general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer, who liked what they saw on the film.

“I got a call from Joel Segal (Peterson’s agent), asked if we would be interested in Patrick Peterson,” Spielman said. “Naturally, we had looked at Patrick. We talked about him during our free agency meetings but didn’t think we had a legitimate shot.”

Spielman said the deal developed fast as he was returning to Minnesota from watching a pro day at the University of Georgia.

The first call Spielman received was at the airport and he said the deal was agreed to by the time he was off the plane.

“I think this thing came together in about two hours,” Spielman said.

For Peterson, the eight-time Pro Bowler is looking to get back to his All-Pro ways.

“I don’t think the last two seasons definitely went as planned. Having the year before, having to serve that six-game suspension. Last year having little ebbs and flows throughout the season,” Peterson said.

Peterson recorded 15 defended passes combined over the last two seasons.

“Rick and coach Zim know that I have a lot left in the tank,” Peterson said.

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