Patrick Peterson had his introductory press conference with the Vikings Monday, and I'll say that one of the few bonuses of this Zoom-infested media environment is that it gave me a chance to ask Peterson a question -- was there a chance he could've come back -- with him in Minnesota and me in my house this morning.
"I never thought I would be playing for another team," Peterson said. "But like I told Mr. (Michael) Bidwill, that's reality now, that's the nature of the business. At the end of the day, I'm completely fine with that. As long as I am able to hold on to my great memories, the great teammates that I had, the friendships I was able to grow, I had an unbelievable time there.
"I don't know why it didn't work out. Things happen. I never saw myself playing for another team but here I am today playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Mr. Bidwill said, not necessarily that they had to move in a different direction, but they had more needs and needed more guys (elsewhere) on the team to help them turn that corner. I wish the Bidwills nothing but the best of luck, and my teammates that are there right now, you guys know I have nothing but love for you all."
Peterson also said he looked forward to whenever it was the Vikings will be scheduled to visit State Farm Stadium this season, when Peterson will make his return.
One thing I found interesting was that Vikings GM Rick Spielman said that Peterson's agent actually reached out to him to ask if he would be interested in signing Peterson. It does not sound like the Vikings chased P2, although Spielman said the deal came together relatively quickly, within a couple of hours.
(For his side, GM Steve Keim didn't get into details and didn't directly address whether the Cardinals offered a contract. "I had a great relationship with Pat. To have these type of decisions are extremely difficult. It happened with Adrian Wilson in his career, (and now) he is one of my right-hand men and does a fantastic job for us. It's not a fun part of the business. But we wish Pat the best."
Peterson reiterated a few thoughts he had brought up in the past -- he would like to play another six years; he will be a cornerback and not a safety for the Vikings (and while he has expressed at times he might be willing to move to safety, his answer Monday was of a player who did not have interest in being one anytime soon.)
"Like I told Mr. Bidwill, I had an unbelievable 10 years there in Arizona," Peterson said. "I want to thank the Bidwill family for the opportunity to fulfill my dream, drafting me in 2011. Just having the opportunity to be there and watch that organization grow from what it was to what it is now. From my first game, scoring an 89-yard touchdown, the memories just continue on from there."
