Patrick Peterson is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and now he’s being paid like one.
The Arizona Cardinals signed the All-Pro cornerback to a five-year contract worth $70 million on Tuesday. Peterson tweeted that the deal includes $48 million in guaranteed salary.
[tweet https://twitter.com/RealPeterson21/statuses/494327158831976448 align=”center”]
The former LSU star is arguably the best corner in the league. He’s tallied 12 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries and has emerged as a valuable kick returner in three seasons as a pro. Only the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman (20) and the Chicago Bears’ Tim Jennings (15) have more interceptions in that span.
Peterson, who’s just 24 years old, also has shown impressive durability by playing in all 48 games over the last three years.
This contract is the richest for a cornerback in league history, eclipsing the $57 million extension ($40 million guaranteed) that Sherman signed in May.
Peterson’s deal should set the market on what a long-term contract might look like for Darrelle Revis in the future. Revis, who signed a one-year deal worth $12 million with the New England Patriots in the offseason, is a free agent after the 2014 campaign.
