The tree scenario: Peterson consistently offers the same type of sticky man-to-man coverage that enabled him to hold Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf to 6 catches for 6 yards on four targets, per Next Gen Stats, in Arizona’s week 7 overtime about Seattle. (Metcalf finished the game with two total catches for 23 yards.)
The bust: In his 11th NFL season, Peterson’s speed drops to the point that he becomes a liability rather than an asset when linked to the other team’s WR1.
Who should take the risk? San Francisco 49ers. With four cornerbacks (Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, K’Waun Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon) on their way to a free agency, San Francisco will need fresh blood in second place. As the Niners did with Sherman when he left Seattle, they can still get good football and veteran leadership from Peterson, who will surely enjoy two chances a year to keep it with the Cardinals, should Arizona decide not to keep dough out to not like him.