3 Vikings that could be shocking cuts before the 2022 season

Patrick Peterson – CB

In his very first season that wasn’t in an Arizona Cardinals uniform, Patrick Peterson had a solid performance with the Vikings during the 2021 campaign.

Peterson enjoyed his time with Minnesota so much that he re-signed with the team this offseason. Despite his enthusiasm about returning to the Vikings, the deal he got from the team doesn’t exactly scream commitment.

Peterson and Minnesota agreed to a one-year contract worth $4 million. If the Vikings choose to move on from him after June 1, the team would be handed a very affordable dead cap hit of $2.75 million.

Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, most are assuming that Minnesota will use one of their first few selections on a young cornerback prospect. If the Vikings land a rookie corner that immediately impresses the team’s coaches and challenges for a starting role, Peterson could be the guy left on the outside looking in.

Minnesota is switching to a brand-new defensive scheme under Ed Donatell and we don’t even know how well Peterson will fit into what the team wants to do next season. During training camp, the Vikings’ new rookie corner and Cameron Dantzler could end up emerging as better fits for the team’s new defense than Peterson.

If this ends up being the case, Minnesota might decide to move on from Peterson, regardless of how much of a locker room leader he is believed to be.