Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
The Minnesota Vikings transition into the post-Mike Zimmer rebuild will have to mean parting ways with fixtures on offense and defense.
The Mike Zimmer era in Minnesota is very likely coming to an end with the 2022 season after the Vikings failed to make the playoffs.
It’s time for Minnesota to start anew. Unfortunately, that means clearing the board for the next hire with some key departures.
Whether the need is financial or performance-related, these three Vikings shouldn’t remain…
3 Vikings who can’t be brought back for the rebuild
Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson signed with the Vikings on a one-year deal for 2021 and he started throughout the season. However, he missed several games and wasn’t enough of a gamechanger for the defense when it comes down to it.
Through 12 appearances, Peterson has just four pass breakups and no interceptions. That’s not to say he hasn’t been a solid corner. His passer rating allowed of 82.6 is the lowest of his career. So are his yards/per target.
The problem is cost. Peterson made sense for a Vikings team looking to take the next step towards becoming a playoff contender. He doesn’t make sense for a team beginning a rebuild.