Steelers Signing Former Vikings Cornerback Patrick Peterson to Two-Year Deal

Peterson's time in Minnesota ends after two seasons. The future Hall of Famer is headed to Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing former Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson to a two-year deal, according to multiple reports.

Peterson's time in Minnesota comes to an end after two seasons. Signed in 2021 by the Vikings' old regime of Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer, the future Hall of Famer had a decent first season with the franchise but missed some time with a hamstring injury. Last offseason, the Vikings' new regime of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell brought Peterson back on another one-year deal and he had one of the best years of his career at 32 years old.

A perfect fit in Ed Donatell's zone-heavy defense because of his experience and instincts, Peterson tied his career-high with five interceptions last season, bringing his career total to 34. He played in every game, recording 15 total passes defended and three tackles for loss. Peterson's 80.7 PFF grade ranked sixth out of 82 corners to play at least 500 snaps in the regular season. He was fantastic — and now he's earned another pay day.

Peterson, who turns 33 this offseason, has said he wants to play at least two more seasons. This two-year deal with the Steelers lines up with that idea. He gets to go play under Mike Tomlin on a team that hasn't had a losing record since 2003, even if they've been stuck in mediocrity with eight or nine wins in four of the last five seasons. The Steelers lost free agent cornerback Cameron Sutton to the Lions earlier on Monday, so Peterson will step in as their No. 1 option at the position.

The Vikings, meanwhile, have a massive need at corner. This isn't much of a surprise — it never really made sense for Peterson to return to Minnesota with new coordinator Brian Flores likely to run a significant amount of man coverage — but the cupboard is bare for Minnesota right now. Peterson signed with the Steelers, Cameron Dantzler was waived and claimed by the Commanders, and Duke Shelley remains a free agent.

The Vikings' corners currently under contract are Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, Kalon Barnes, and Tay Gowan. Booth and Evans are coming off injury-marred rookie seasons.

Before signing with the Vikings two years ago, Peterson spent a decade with the Arizona Cardinals, making eight consecutive Pro Bowls to begin his career. He was a first team All-Pro three times. Peterson's 34 interceptions are tied with now-former Vikings teammate Harrison Smith for the lead among active players.

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