Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson. (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)
The Minnesota Vikings are starting fresh with a new head coach and GM but these five free agents can still be part of the long-term plan.
It was time for the Vikings to move on from Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman after missing the playoffs in 2021.
The upheaval at the top will make the roster decisions of this offseason even more intriguing as coaching and GM interviews commence.
When the time comes for the new decision-makers to start looking at free agents to keep around, who should they focus on?
Vikings free agents Minnesota needs to bring back
5. Patrick Peterson
Patrick Peterson gets to make a decision about his future after spending the 2021 season with the Vikings.
Peterson signed a one-year deal with Minnesota and is hitting the free agent market once again. He could look to join a team more set up for a Super Bowl run or he could stick with the Vikings.
If he’s open to the latter option, Minnesota should do what they can to keep him around.
Peterson is a true pro with an undeniable record as one of the NFL’s best corners in his eight seasons with the Cardinals and a wealth of experience. By keeping him around, the Vikings would ensure veteran leadership in the secondary.
Of course, the price has to be right. Still, there is value to offering Peterson a new deal as a reliable cornerback and a potential mentor for younger talent that can be brought in via the draft.