CB Patrick Peterson Rips Rumor That He Won't Be Back With Cardinals In 2021

Patrick Peterson has been one of the star players of the Arizona Cardinals since the team drafted him 5th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

He's been as solid as any defensive back in the league over the last 10 seasons. He was even selected to the Pro Bowl in his first eight seasons in the league.

Peterson has always been loyal to the Cardinals, so despite being a free agent this offseason, it came as a bit of a surprise Monday when FanSided NFL reporter Matt Verderame reported that Peterson and the Cardinals are likely to breakup and that he's expected to play elsewhere in 2021.

"Per source, the Arizona Cardinals and former All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson are parting ways barring a significant change in stances," Verderame wrote.

Peterson fired back at the rumor on Tuesday, telling the Cardinals' official site that he has no idea where the rumor came from or where Verderame got his "insight" on the matter.

"There is no real update," Peterson said.

"It is just what you said it was: A dirty rumor. ... Me and the team haven't talked about contracts, we haven't talked about parting ways. That's just what it is, a dirty rumor. I don't know where (the reporter) got his insight from, but that was a dirty rumor."

That doesn't mean that Peterson is a shoo-in to be back in Arizona in 2021 and beyond, but at the same time, the defensive back isn't ready to declare that he won't return either.

In his time with the Cardinals, Peterson has recorded 487 tackles (435 solo) with four sacks, 28 interceptions, one touchdown and 91 passes deflected.

This past season, he picked off three passes for the Cardinals, and at 30 years old, he should have plenty of gas in the tank to continue to be one of the best DBs in the game.

Where that will be in 2021 is anyone's guess though.