The reconstruction of the Vikings defense started to take shape as the NFL's free-agency negotiating window opened Monday.
Cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, both pending free agents, decided to leave, while the Vikings retained linebacker Jordan Hicks with a restructured contract and reportedly agreed to terms with defensive end Marcus Davenport.
Peterson will join the Pittsburgh Steelers, announcing it on his podcast "All Things Covered" just hours into the NFL's two-day window for free agents to negotiate with other teams before the 2023 league year begins Wednesday. New contracts can't be signed until Wednesday afternoon.