Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been suspended six games to begin the 2019 season due to a violation of the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Peterson has already appealed and decided to drop it, and he will lose $3,882,352 in wages, Schefter added.
The eight-time Pro Bowler did not participate in the team’s late-April voluntary mini-camp. John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station reported at the time that Peterson was upset with the organization.
Gambadoro reported Thursday that Peterson was upset the team could not rework his contract knowing he was facing a performance-enhancing drug suspension, according to multiple sources. He knew the suspension was coming and wanted to rework his contract and avoid taking losses. He believed he could have saved $2 million or more, Gambadoro added on Thursday.
The Cardinals will open voluntary organized team activities on Sunday, and it is unclear whether he will report.
Last season, Peterson recorded 54 tackles with two interceptions and five passes defensed.
Arizona will enter 2019 with veteran Robert Alford and rookie second-round pick Byron Murphy as the favorites to become starting cornerbacks, though David Amerson and Tramaine Brock are veterans who can also play cornerback or in nickel packages.
With the suspension, Peterson will miss home games against the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons. He will also miss road contests at the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
Peterson would be able to return in Week 7 for an Oct. 20 away game at the New York Giants.
Last season, Peterson requested a trade before the midseason deadline but later backed off that stance, affirming his commitment to the Cardinals this offseason.