Vikings sign former All-Pro Patrick Peterson to surprise prove-it deal

The longtime Arizona Cardinals cornerback joins the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal.

Patrick Peterson has been a member of the Arizona Cardinals organization for the past decade as a first-round draft pick out of LSU. With the cornerback getting older and his production in a gradual decline, it was expected that the Cardinals were going to part ways with their longtime No. 1 corner. Now, he has a new home in the NFC.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Peterson is signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

Vikings: Patrick Peterson heads to cornerback-needy Minnesota on one-year contract

It is no secret that the Vikings have a desperate need at the cornerback position. The team lost the likes of Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes last offseason, forcing head coach Mike Zimmer to rely on a young secondary. The results, as expected, were not good.

Last season, the Vikings defenses surrendered 258.8 passing yards per game (eighth-most in NFL), 30 touchdowns (tied ninth-most). But if there was one positive for Minnesota, it is that they tallied 15 interceptions as a team (tied seventh-most in NFL).

Adding Peterson to a one-year deal is a solid move for the Vikings. He can attempt to bounce back and have a career year in Minnesota, while also using his experience to mentor the young corners on the roster.

Through 16 games this past season, Peterson recorded 61 total tackles, eight defended passes and three interceptions. In pass coverage, Peterson allowed 53 catches for 662 yards and five touchdowns on 79 targets, per Pro Football Reference.

Peterson will be donning the purple and yellow in 2021 like he did during his time with LSU. If everything goes well, this could turn out to be one of the more underrated signings of the 2021 league year.