The Arizona Cardinals and cornerback Patrick Peterson could both benefit from a contract extension. For Peterson, who enters the final year of his deal, it would give him new money, guaranteed money and security for more than just this season. For the team, it would lock up an eight-time Pro Bowler with skills matched by very few in the league. It could also free up some space under the salary cap as well.
However, while there were some initial talks earlier in the offseason, there is “not much in contract talks right now.” Peterson told reporters in a video conference this week.
However, he does have a bit of a deadline for getting a deal done.
“I don’t want to be in the midst of talking about a contract in the middle of the season as I’m getting prepared for this championship run because as a player we have enough on our plates as it is,” he said. “Once you start talking about money during the season it can go one of two ways — it can go on the good side and it can distract you. I don’t need that to be a distraction.”
It isn’t just about not letting talks drag through the season, he doesn’t want them to even get into the season at all.
“There’s a time and a place for everything and once the season starts, I believe it won’t be the time for that,” he said. “I’m very optimistic something will get done.”
Once the season begins, he just wants to focus on his play.
“I’m not worried about the contract,” he added. “If it happens, it happens. I’m worried about going out there every Sunday and, whoever my assignment is, not letting them breathe.”
If there is no contract extension, it will be the first time in his career he has had a “contract year.” But he is familiar with being in a situation of having to prove himself for something, as he equated it to being recruited out of high school and getting ready for the NFL draft.
He wants to be here. He loves Arizona. He likes what the team has done. He loves the weather and believes the warm weather helps players stay healthier.
He would love to play for only one team in his career. He also knows the front office wants him to stay.
“They know what I bring to the table — not only my leadership but on the football field, the classroom, the locker room,” he said. “They understand what I mean to this organization. If they want to make it right and want to keep me here, they’ll do that, but that’s out of my control.
“There’s nothing I can do about that. The only thing I can control is going out there and busting whoever’s ass is in front of me. All that matters to me is going out there and putting forth a great showing, putting together a dominant performance.”
Peterson promises a this year will be a good one for him.
“I can promise you this. This is definitely going to be a big year, just wait and see,” he said. “To whoever is doubting me or whoever doesn’t think I can still play at a high level, just wait and see.”
The message is that the Cardinals can either pay him now or pay him after the season. Either way, it should still be a lot.
As for a new contract, “we’ll see what the future has in store.”
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Ep. 267
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Ep. 266
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