Why the Vikings should consider pursuing CB Patrick Peterson this year

Scheduled to be a free agent this offseason, Patrick Peterson could help the Minnesota Vikings.

For the first time since Mike Zimmer became the team’s head coach in 2014, the Minnesota Vikings had a bad defense last season.

The Vikings have become known for their excellence on the defensive side of the ball during Zimmer’s tenure. But too many injuries and a lack of experience resulted in the unit finishing among the NFL’s worst in 2020.

Because of this, expect Minnesota’s top priority this offseason to be improving the defense. Obviously, the Vikings have other aspects of their roster that need upgrades, but good luck convincing Zimmer to prioritize those needs over his defense during the next few months.

For the 2021 season, the Vikings are expecting to see some of their top defenders return to the field from injury. But if Minnesota is able to create some spending money this offseason, they should also turn to the free-agent market for some additional help for their defense.

Specifically, the Vikings defense could use some more experience in the secondary. Luckily for Minnesota, there just happens to be a talented veteran cornerback by the name of Patrick Peterson, who is currently scheduled to become a free agent this year.

Recently, FanSided’s Matt Verderame reported that Peterson and the Arizona Cardinals are expected to part ways this offseason after a 10-year relationship. If this ends being the case, there are multiple reasons why the Vikings should do whatever they can to add Peterson to their roster for the 2021 campaign.