Adrian Peterson Signing With Patriots, Bears Or Eagles?
Adrian Peterson was released by the Washington Football Team on Friday morning. It was a surprising decision, given the fact that the 35-year-old’s production had been reasonably solid over the past few years.
Throughout the past two seasons, Peterson recorded 1,940 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He also consistently ran for 4.2 to 4.3 yards per carry.
Clearly the organization has a lot of faith in Bryce Love and Antonio Gibson going forward, but Peterson still has too much in the tank to simply be discarded the way he was.
Fortunately, there are plenty of teams in the NFL who need a backup running back. Especially when that running back is fifth all-time in rushing yards, with fourth place (Barry Sanders) just 784 yards away and third place (Frank Gore) 1,131 yards away.
Peterson is also just 13 rushing touchdowns shy of Marcus Allen for third place on that all-time list.
So what is the next for the future Hall of Famer?
Dak addressed the elephant in the room. https://t.co/7TB8BorTSJ
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 3, 2020
The New England Patriots seem like an obvious option. Sony Michel is currently the starting running back for the team, but his durability is very questionable at this stage. Besides, even when he is on the field and fully healthy, he averages 4.04 yards per carry. That doesn’t exactly put fear in the opposition’s heart.
James White and Damien Harris are there as well, but neither figures to make a significant mark on an offense that is very much still a question mark right now.
The release of Lamar Miller on Saturday morning only bolsters New England’s case for additional running backs on the roster.
If not the Patriots, the Chicago Bears make a lot of sense. The status of David Montgomery’s groin injury is still up in the air, which means if he is not ready to go, Tarik Cohen will have to carry the entire load. Cordarrelle Patterson is also there, but that’s not saying much.
Chicago has maintained that Montgomery is fine and will be ready to go for Week 1. If that is actually true, then they probably don’t need Peterson that bad. But if it’s not, he could be a huge pickup.
That said, even if Montgomery is healthy, there is a reasonable case to be made that he doesn’t have much going over Peterson right now besides youth.
Finally, don’t sleep on the Philadelphia Eagles. They recently cut Michael Warren and Adrian Killins, leaving Miles Sanders, Boston Scott and Corey Clement. That means Doug Pederson is keeping one running back slot open – Peterson could be a natural fit.
Peterson proved with the Washington Football team that he still has a lot in the tank. Plus, his teammates loved him. Following his release, quarterback Dwayne Haskins came out with a statement acknowledging how much his time with Peterson meant to him.
“Growing up I was a huge AP fan,” he wrote.
“Having the opportunity to be his teammate and learn from him, has been an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you for always having my back big bro! I’m going to make you proud, best of luck!”
Growing up I was a huge AP fan. Having the opportunity to be his teammate and learn from him, has been an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you for always having my back big bro! I’m going to make you proud, best of luck! #AllDay pic.twitter.com/QmpvOpGFYz
— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) September 4, 2020
A final decision regarding Peterson’s next stop should be made at some point in the next few days.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
