Former Vikings Cornerback Patrick Peterson to Retire as a Cardinal
The Minnesota Vikings have been relatively quiet lately, especially after a busy start to free agency in March. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching on April 24, head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah appear to be shifting focus.
Veteran defensive back Patrick Peterson, who joined the Vikings in the 2021 offseason during Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman’s final year, is officially retiring. After spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Peterson plans to sign a one-day contract with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday so he can retire with the team where he spent most of his career.
Peterson played 154 games with the Cardinals, earning all three of his first-team All-Pro selections and making eight Pro Bowl appearances. During his two seasons in Minnesota, he recorded 111 tackles, six interceptions, and 20 pass breakups over 30 games. He helped the defense transition from Zimmer’s scheme to Ed Donatell’s before leaving the team the same offseason Brian Flores was hired as defensive coordinator.
According to Pro Football Reference, Peterson holds a Hall of Fame Monitor score of 86.10. While that’s slightly below the average score for Hall of Fame defensive backs (96.93), it’s the highest of any eligible defensive back not yet inducted. Comparably, players like LeRoy Butler, Steve Atwater, Cliff Harris, and Aeneas Williams—all Hall of Famers—scored in a similar range.
If Peterson remains retired, he’ll be eligible for Hall of Fame consideration in 2028, where he’s expected to be a strong first-ballot candidate.
