The Cardinals are expected to release veteran running back Adrian Peterson this offseason, according to Mike Jurecki of ArizonaSports.com.
Arizona acquired Peterson from the Saints in October for the price of a 2018 sixth-round pick, and installed him as its starting running back in the absence of superstar David Johnson. Peterson, who will turn 33 years old in March, managed 3.5 yards per carry on 129 rushes and scored twice in the desert. However, he was among the least effective backs in the league: Football Outsiders ranked Peterson 46th among 47 running backs in both DYAR and DVOA, metrics which measure overall and per-play value, respectively.
With Johnson expected back from injury in 2018, Peterson wouldn’t have been handling many carries, which makes his $2.881MM cap charge relatively untenable. The Cardinals’ new coaching staff may have also played a role in Peterson’s ouster, as former head coach Bruce Arians had said the future Hall of Famer would be part of Arizona’s 2018 plans. However, new head coach Steve Wilks and new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy may have had other ideas, and presumably believe they can find a cheaper — or more effective — backup running back.
Peterson has already stated that he intends to continue his career in 2018, so he’ll be looking for work after he hits the free agent market. While it may be a bit early to speculate on potential destinations, the Patriots, Seahawks, and Giants all expressed interest in Peterson before he signed with New Orleans last year. Additionally, the Ravens reportedly discussed trading for Peterson before the Saints shipped him to Arizona.
He’d fit right in with browns
That’d be a rough finish to a hall of fame career
Man his kid is about to get a whoppin
Off to the Jets to replace Forte
I really do think he’d be a good fit in New England. I know Seattle needs a RB but they’re o-line sucks and I don’t see him having much success there unless they fix that line.
They passed on him after a tryout. They could have had him for pennies on the dollar and they passed. Why? Because of what you just read. He’s done
We don’t want AP in Seattle anyways.
Running backs fall off the cliff fast and it took awhile for him to find the cliff. If he signs probably will be a late training camp cut and retire. Great career though.
Detroit. Or Washington.
I understand it’s just a side note, but not a chance he heads to Baltimore now. Collins has taken the reins in the backfield.
Collins had a great year but Harbaugh said he is still looking into a game changer at running back. Peterson definitely doesn’t fit that but RB is still open in Baltimore
He wasn’t terrible last year. He just needs a team that is dedicated to running the football. 2 headed monster in Dallas would be my choice. Zeke and All Day. Morris is a FA.
He needs to accept the backup rule and he can still provide some fresh legs. Giants or Dallas would make sense.
Surprised he has lasted as long as this. Was a beast when he first came into the league and never shied away from getting hit.
Bring him to Detroit on incentive based deal and see what he can bring since we will be drafting a rookie this year…
Yes love that idea. Lions need something…