Free-agent running back Adrian Peterson is set to visit Washington Redskins to discuss a potential deal. Peterson, who won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2012, was released by the Arizona Cardinals back in March.
“I fly in tonight. I’m down for working out or whatever I have to do to make the team,” – the 33-year-old told ESPN‘s Josina Anderson on Sunday.
Redskins are in need of a running back after rookie Derrius Guice tore his ACL and was ruled out for the season. The team’s other options at the position, Samaje Perine, and Byron Marshall are also dealing with ankle injuries and the timetable for their return remains unknown. Finally, they have decided to release Martez Carter with an injury designation.
In order to get some stability at the position, Redskins have met with former Kansas City Chiefs Pro-Bowl RB Jamaal Charles and Orleans Darkwa, who last played for New York Giants. Still, signing Peterson now might look like the best available option despite his age.
Adrian Peterson entered the league in 2007 when Minnesota Vikings selected him seventh overall. He went on to earn seven Pro-Bowl selections and four First-team All-Pro honors during his nine years with the franchise. He also led the league in rushing yards three times and rushing touchdowns two times.
Vikings opted against exercising the 2017 option on his contract, so Peterson signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. After a poor showing in the first four games with the Saints, in which he rushed for 81 yards, he was traded to the Cardinals. In Arizona, he managed to improve the impression and rushed for 448 yards and two touchdowns in six games.
