Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been one of the best players at his position for some time now. The 29-year-old has been named first-team All-Pro on three separate occasions, and he made the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight years in the NFL.

But some of Peterson's past successes were tarnished when he was suspended six games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Heading into the final year of his current contract, Peterson knows he has “a lot to prove” as he attempts to regain the organization's trust. Peterson also said he would love to remain in Arizona, per Darren Urban.

Naturally, Peterson would have preferred the suspension never happened. However, he was still pretty effective upon his return to the Cardinals.

Peterson had a pair of interceptions and seven pass deflections in 10 games. Opposing quarterbacks did have a higher completion percentage against Peterson, but he clearly still retained some of the playmaking skills that made him one of the best corners in the league.

The Cardinals figure to explore an extension with Peterson if he has a good year in 2020. Arizona spent a decent amount of salary cap space on improving the front seven. They also drafted Isaiah Simmons out of Clemson with their first-round pick. This offseason–while headlined by the DeAndre Hopkins trade–has mostly been a defensive makeover.

At the same time, the Cardinals star is entering this upcoming season at age 30. Not too many corners on the wrong side of 30 still have good value, which is why Peterson understands he will have to go out and earn an extension with his play.