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NFC South: Top 4 Impact Free Agent division Signings

By Maurice Barksdale

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) makes an 80 yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) makes an 80 yard touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFC South
May 25, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) hands the ball off to running back Adrian Peterson (28) during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints training facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

3. player. 15. . Running Back. New Orleans Saints. Adrian Peterson

This is another sure sign that the teams in the NFC South are in an all out offensive arms race.  The New Orleans Saints already had one of the best offenses in the NFL.  They also already had a 1,000 yard running back in Mark Ingram.

But that didn’t stop the Saints from bringing in one of the greatest running backs of all time in Adrian Peterson.  The Saints could have used an impact free agent signing on the defensive side of the football.

They signed some solid defensive players, it appears as though the Saints will look to rookies to fix their weakness in the secondary.  While it’s doubtful that Adrian Peterson will be a workhorse ball carrier for the Saints, his impact will be felt in a couple of very important ways.

First, Peterson’s presence in the backfield will open up more play action opportunities for quarterback Drew Brees.  The Saints passing game was very good last season but not as potent as in years passed.

Defenses will also have to devote more men in the box to watch Peterson, which will open up more passing lanes for Brees. Reports from Saints OTA’s suggest that Adrian Peterson is in stud condition.

Peterson and Mark Ingram will put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses in the NFC South.

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