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The Arizona Cardinals held a media conference on Wednesday to address the contract extension that the team gave cornerback Patrick Peterson, making him the highest paid cornerback in the league and in league history.
What were some of the highlights?
Well, after thanking God first, he thanked team president Michael Bidwill "for cutting the check." Peterson got a signing bonus of more than $15 million.
Peterson felt he deserved to be the top paid corner in the league. "It's a big deal," he said. "I think I've done a lot in my young career to be recognized as not only the best cornerback in the league, but the highest paid cornerback in the league. I think my body of work is only going to get better."
He wants to make it to the Hall of Fame.
Now that he has gotten his big contract, he now is focused on winning. He is hungry to win as he has yet to make it to the postseason. He called 2013 "an okay season" because they didn't make the playoffs. He wants to "bring a championship" to Arizona.
Steve Keim said Peterson "hasn't even scratched the surface yet, which is actually scary." He said that Peterson "can redefine the position."
Naturally, it was all smiles for everyone involved, but you get the feeling that everyone is genuinely thrilled with the fact that Peterson is under contract for seven seasons. And knowing how salaries inflate, this deal will eventually be truly "a deal," when some now rookie corner in four years is getting paid more than Peterson.
As long as he stays healthy and he continues to be a focused player, all will be well.
Do you have any concerns about his new contract?
