The Arizona Cardinals put their money where their mouth is on Wednesday morning as they re-signed cornerback Patrick Peterson to a five-year contract extension, after multiple rumors have surfaced the past few days that the two sides were discussion such a deal. This deal is worth a total $70 million ($48 million guaranteed) and will keep the All-Pro player in Arizona through the 2020 season.
This extension makes Peterson the highest paid cornerback in the league, surpassing deals that Joe Haden (five years, $68 million) and Richard Sherman (four years, $56 million) signed with their respective teams earlier this off-season.
Peterson was drafted by the Cardinals as the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has grown into one of the top shut-down corners in the NFL, being named to three Pro Bowls and a First-Team All-Pro twice in his short three year career.
He is not only an incredible defensive player, Peterson is also one of the best punt returners that the NFL has to offer. In his rookie season, Peterson burst onto the scene as he tied an NFL record with four punts returned for touchdowns, including an incredible 99-yard return for a score that won a game in overtime over the St. Louis Rams. The walk-off return was a thing of beauty, and put Peterson’s name squarely on the NFL map.
Peterson has also played some offense, hauling in 10 career receptions for 64 yards, and 34 career rushing yards. Peterson is one of the best players in the NFL with the ball in his hands, and Arizona was wise to try and use him offensively. That said, head coach Bruce Arians has already said that he will not be using Peterson on offense in this upcoming season, allowing the star to focus on defense and special teams.
Peterson is one of the most dynamic young talents in this game. At only 24-years-old, he still has an incredibly bright future ahead of him, as a defensive and special teams star. The money may seem a little heavy, but in an extreme passing league, the Cardinals will not regret keeping around their star pass defender.