Vikings' Peterson: Cardinals ignored me during free agency

The Arizona Cardinals apparently ghosted Patrick Peterson during free agency before the veteran cornerback signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Peterson said Cardinals general manager Steve Keim told him after last season that Arizona would "do everything to get you back" for at least another year, according to The Athletic's Dan Pompei.

But Peterson said the team was silent on re-signing him once free agency officially opened.

"I was just frustrated and upset at how upper management handled the situation," Peterson said. "You tell me one thing, then when it's time to talk, you turn your shoulder on me like it's cold shoulder. I've been in this league a long time. Thirty years old. Grown man. Talk to me like a grown man, not like a child or your side piece."

Peterson, who played his first 10 NFL campaigns with Arizona, subsequently agreed to join the Vikings on a one-year, $8-million deal.

The 31-year-old said he only heard from Keim after agreeing to a deal with Minnesota.

"He had the nerve to text me, talking about how I love you, wish you nothing but the best," Peterson said. "Now your phone work all of a sudden. I found that as the ultimate disrespect right there."

Peterson is coming off an inconsistent campaign that saw him rack up 61 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups through 16 appearances. Opposing quarterbacks posted a 98.2 passer rating when targeting Peterson last season.

The eight-time Pro Bowler said in May the Vikings' matchup against the Cardinals is the one game he's circled on his calendar ahead of the 2021 season.

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