Prominent Viking Likely to Stay if Harbaugh at HC
All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, performing well in his first post-Cardinals chapter. Peterson graded at 63.0 per Pro Football Focus, which somehow felt more steady than season-long performances from Cameron Dantzler, Bashaud Breeland, and Mackensie Alexander.
A leader in any locker room he visits, signing Peterson back to the 2022 Vikings should be a priority, chiefly because of his personality, experience, and leadership. Peterson was drawn to Minnesota by former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer’s reputation for rip-roaring defense, but Zimmer is no longer in charge of the Vikings.
After Zimmer’s termination, Peterson’s future with the franchise is uncertain. Would he stick around for the unnamed next coach – or bolt to a contending team?
Well, if Jim Harbaugh is hired by the Vikings – that’s all the craze right now – Peterson is likely to stay, according to his own words from his podcast All Things Covered.
“Thrilled” is a meaty word to use, especially when Peterson has no guaranteed path back to Minnesota with his free agency upcoming. The term thrilled heavy implies Peterson would stick around for another year or two if Minnesota makes the Harbaughian plunge.
And the Vikings need cornerbacks, rest assured.
Entering the 2022 offseason, Cameron Dantzler is the only starting cornerback slated for the depth chart in September. Peterson is a free agent – so is Mackensie Alexander, who didn’t play well in 2021. Bashaud Breeland was waived a couple of months ago after ruffling feathers at practice, so the Vikings are down to nubbins for CB depth. In theory, Harrison Hand and Kris Boyd could eventually emerge as commendable football players, but that leaves a lot to chance at a vital position on defense.
If Peterson sticks around amid a possible Harbaugh hire, then beginning the 2022 offseason with Dantzler and Peterson in the saddle is better than Dantzler and crumbs. Peterson will be 32 years old when the 2022 season starts, meaning he should have 2-3 more productive seasons left.
If it’s not Harbaugh at head coach, the Vikings are back to needing a full overhaul at cornerback. Free agency would be shopped to find running mates for Dantzler, pivoting to the NFL draft in April for CB fortification. Don’t be surprised if Minnesota spends a 1st-Rounder on a cornerback. You’ve seen the movie before – it was Mike Zimmer’s favorite pastime, drafting corners in Round 1.
But much of the shakiness at cornerback can be alleviated if Peterson re-signs for a couple of years. Plus, pairing Harbaugh and Peterson with a defensive coordinator like Vic Fangio or Patrick Graham sounds like a marvelous idea.
A decision on Harbaugh as head coach could come as early as Wednesday.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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