Cornerback Patrick Peterson returning to the Minnesota Vikings for 2022

The Minnesota Vikings had a big hole at cornerback this offseason and took a big step forward by re-signing Patrick Peterson for one season.

It has been an interesting offseason for the Minnesota Vikings so far. They got a great pass rusher, signed a couple of offensive linemen, and brought back some key players to the roster. Coming into today, their biggest weakness was cornerback.

The team made another splash on March 30 when a deal between eight-time Pro Bowl corner Patrick Peterson and the Vikings was announced on Twitter by Adam Schefter would keep him in Minnesota for 2022.

The Vikings were desperate for talent in the secondary. Although Cameron Dantzler has shown some promise, the depth behind him was questionable at best with Kris Boyd and Harrison Hand behind him.

Peterson returns to the team as a clear starting corner and an experienced veteran who will turn 32 years old this year and can help a young group of defensive backs as they grow and develop over the year.

What does this mean for the Vikings and the 2022 NFL Draft?

Re-signing Patrick Peterson for one season shouldn’t change the draft plans of the Minnesota Vikings too much. The team should still be expected to use one of their top picks on a cornerback for the future, but this move doesn’t pigeonhole them into choosing one in the first round.

This signing is also another indication that Minnesota’s ownership, general manager, and coaches all believe this is a team that can be a contender in 2022. With this signing, they ensure that key pieces from the previous season return and bank on their other free agents and draft class as well as the new coaching and schemes to bring the Vikings to the playoffs.

Welcome back to the Minnesota Vikings, Patrick Peterson! And congratulations on returning to the purple and gold for at least one more season.