Cardinals Committed To Signing CB Patrick Peterson To An Extension

Cardinals GM Steve Keim tells Tom Pelissero of USA Today that they are committed to signing CB Patrick Peterson to a long-term extension

“We’ve made a concerted effort,” Keim said of trying to lock up Peterson. “We’ve been in negotiations. We’ve had some great talks with Joel Segal. We’re going to stay aggressive.”

As Pelissero points out, there hasn’t been much, if any, progress regarding extensions for 2011 first-round picks, which can be attributed to the fact that most of them had their fifth-year options picked up a few months ago. Teams now control these players for another two years, which appears to have lessened the incentive to get a deal done now.

“I don’t know how many of those guys are even negotiating contracts with other teams,” Keim said. “But I think it would be great to be one of the first teams to sign one of those ’11 picks and get Patrick back under contract for several more years.”

• Keim added that he views Peterson as “one of the top two or three corners in the league.“

Peterson has said that he too would like to get an agreement in place that will keep in Arizona for the foreseeable future.

“Obviously, I do want to stay here for a while,” Peterson said. “I know (Keim) and my agent (Joel Segal) are definitely working very hard trying to get something done. But right now, it’s between those two, and me as well. They’re in some pretty heated conversations.”

Peterson, 24, has quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league and is even in the discussion for the best athlete in the game.

He’ll make $2,888,114 for the upcoming season and another $10.081 million in 2015 if he plays out the season under the fifth-year option.

Last year, Peterson appeared in all 16 games and totaled 42 tackles, three interceptions and 13 pass defenses while contributing 198 punt return yards. Pro Football Focus rated Peterson the No. 16 cornerback in the 2013 season.