Marcus Peters would be good target for Vikings in free agency

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of work to do this offseason to upgrade their defense. It was ultimately their undoing during the 2022 season as they couldn’t stop anyone. Despite running away with the NFC North title, their season ended in Super Wild Card Weekend after being defeated 31-24 by the New York Giants.

Luckily for Minnesota, their offense was able to keep up with everyone because their defense was leaky all season. They ranked 28th in points allowed and 31st in yardage. Their passing defense was especially poor, as they ranked 31st in passing yards allowed.

Fixing the secondary is the No. 1 need for the Vikings this offseason. Their best performer from last season, cornerback Patrick Peterson, is hitting free agency and is likely to move on. That will leave second-year corner Andrew Booth Jr. opposite of Cameron Dantzler, as Chandon Sullivan and Duke Shelley are both hitting free agency as well.

Coming off an injury-plagued season in which he appeared in only six games, it would be smart for the Vikings to add another veteran to the mix regardless of whether Peterson moves on or not. An NFL scout who spoke to NFL Analysis Network has pinpointed the player that they should target defensively in Marcus Peters.

“Minnesota needs to upgrade their secondary. With Patrick Peterson leaving town, Marcus Peters is a name they are expected to consider. Depending on the price tag, Peters could end up with the Vikings in free agency.”

Peters has been one of the best playmaking cornerbacks in the NFL throughout his career. But, last season was a down one for him. 2022 was the first time in his career that he didn’t record at least three interceptions in a season and he had a career-low six passes defended.

Despite that, Peters would be a huge upgrade for the Vikings’ defense. He is still capable of shutting down one half of the field and would provide a veteran presence on a defense that is lacking should Peterson opt to sign elsewhere.

Reliable and a nearly every-down player when on the field, Peters would be an anchor for the Vikings secondary looking to turn things around after an abysmal 2022 season.