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Adrian Peterson Got What He Could in Free Agency

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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We’ve been waiting a long time to see where Adrian Peterson would play in 2017 and he got what he could.

Not long ago, former Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson refuted reports that his asking price is too high. He said he was looking for a team that gave him a chance to contend for a Super Bowl. But his signing with the New Orleans Saints leaves me to wonder about that.

Well, he was right about not asking for too much, signing a two-year deal for $7 million. Peterson has $3.5 million guaranteed in 2017 and can go up to $8.25 million with incentives. I seriously doubt this was the deal Peterson waited all this time to sign.

The Saints went 7-9 last year and I’m not even sure how he fits in with the team. The Saints are clearly driven by QB Drew Brees on offense and don’t run the ball very much. Plus Mark Ingram just rushed for 1,043 yards, 5.1 yards per carry and had six rushing TDs.

Ingram also had 46 receptions for 319 yards and four receiving TDs. Ingram’s increased receiving production over the last couple of years makes it hard to see where Peterson fits. The Saints had to have been the only team in the NFL to offer Peterson a contract.

But Peterson dressed it up to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, saying:

“I am excited to be joining the New Orleans Saints. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. Most importantly, I chose this team because it just felt right within my spirit. Additionally, my wife and family added their confirmation with the same feelings.

“On offense, it goes without saying that the Saints are really solid behind Drew Brees. I feel like my skill set can make them even more dominant as a unit.They have a great offensive line, which is something that stood out to me as well.”

That O-line is a good part of the deal but Peterson got what he could, signing with the Saints.

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