Recently retired NFL cornerback Patrick Peterson closed the book on an impressive 13-year career. He didn't play during the 2024 season, last suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 after spending the previous two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
Of course, San Francisco 49ers fans remember Peterson best for his decade with the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, who made him the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, becoming a household name in the NFC West battles.
This week, Peterson joined Kay Adams on Up & Adams and offered his thoughts on his former rivals. He was asked about 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and whether he deserves to be among the NFL's highest-paid players.
First, Adams asked Peterson to evaluate the 49ers' young signal-caller.
"Brock Purdy is a very efficient quarterback," Peterson said. "He hasn't been asked to do a lot just yet. So, he does enough to win, he does what the offense calls upon him to do, and there's nothing wrong with that.
"At the end of the day, the 49ers have the quarterback that they feel can help them win ball games, and you can't fault a team or their system if they have a guy that fits their bill."
Debate continues over how much Purdy should be paid as contract negotiations with the 49ers continue. He's likely to become the highest-paid player in franchise history and one of the top 10 earners in the NFL, potentially earning above $50 million annually. But does he deserve that kind of money?
"Honestly, no," Peterson replied. "But you know what these quarterbacks are going for right now. That's kind of like the going rate. That's like the minimum."
When asked where Purdy should rank among the league's highest-paid quarterbacks, Peterson said the 49ers quarterback should earn more than Trevor Lawrence, who makes $55 million annually. While Peterson might not think Purdy is worth that amount personally, he clearly believes Purdy has outperformed Lawrence.
Peterson added, "Honestly, if you're looking at the numbers, he's probably gonna have to be above Josh Allen too, because he's been in the Super Bowl. So, he's getting at least 50. ... I wouldn't pay him that. You asked me if I would pay him that. I wouldn't, but he's probably going to get 50."