We learned earlier today the Redskins were signing running back Adrian Peterson, and the team officially announced the transaction this evening. The future Hall of Famer struggled to gain much interest from NFL teams this offseason, so he’s naturally looking forward to returning to the field.
“I’m excited,” Peterson told Jake Kring-Schreifels of Redskins.com. “It’s been a long offseason but I’ve been keeping my body in shape and [I’m] ready for this opportunity. So when this opportunity presented itself, I was just excited.”
The 33-year-old also acknowledged it was difficult waiting around for a team to sign him, as the veteran had failed to generate any reported interest after being released by the Cardinals.
“I would be lying to you if I said [the offseason] wasn’t tough, because you’re human,” Peterson said. “I’ve seen guys come through that door and guys go through this process. I had a great appreciation for it. But me knowing what I had left in the tank, that was the only thing bothering me. But I knew in due time the opportunity would present itself.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes following Peterson’s signing…
- ESPN.com’s John Keim writes that rookie Derrius Guice‘s injury wasn’t what led to Peterson’s signing. Rather, it was recent injuries to Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall that necessitated the move. Head coach Jay Gruden had previously stated that he wasn’t searching for a starting running back following Guice’s season-ending injury, and Keim believes the Peterson signing was simply the team’s attempt to be “proactive and aggressive when it comes to replacing injured players.” Of course, on the flip side, Keim also opines that the team wouldn’t have signed a player of Peterson’s caliber if they weren’t going to give him a crack at the starting gig.
- Peterson is best when running in a gap scheme, allowing him to draw lineman to the middle before running to the outside. However, Mark Bullock of the Washinton Post opines that Peterson won’t be as successful when operating in the Redskins’ scheme, which relies on inside and outside zone running plays. Quarterback Alex Smith is also expected to function out of the shotgun formation, and Peterson hasn’t been as successful with these plays. Factor in Peterson’s lack of production in the passing game, and Bullock believes the running back may not be the best fit for Washington.
- Even with Peterson joining the Redskins, Rob Kelley is expected to sit atop the running depth chart, writes Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. Gruden has only indicated that third-down back Chris Thompson will have a definitive role, meaning Kelley, Peterson, or any of the other healthy backs could end up playing a major role in the running game. For what it’s worth, Kelley is ready for the competition. “There’s competition whether you think it or not,” Kelley said. “I just make sure I go out there and I make a few plays that the catch the coaches’ eyes and stuff like that and put myself in a great position.”
What on Earth has Jay Gruden seen in Rob Kelley to give him yet another crack at the starting job?
Let’s hope Gruden cracks the whip on him
I see what you did there
Is that a slavery reference?
no you dork. it’s a Peterson whipped his kid with a switch joke
Why sign a guy like Peterson and then essentially say “don’t read too much into this?” Perine and Kelly are not as good as a 33 year old Peterson, assuming he’s healthy. I assume Thompson will have a larger role, but primarily still just a pass catching back.
He’s damn washed up! I think kelly and Perrine would be better than that hasbeen
Peterson is damn wasted up! He should retire keeps his hall of fame career before he kills that too! With how bad he’s been the last five years of his career!
This washed up guy ran for 529 yards last year with little help or love from his head coaches at either New Orleans or Arizona. When given a chance to play, Peterson delivers. Check his 2017 highlights reel. I’m a Jamaal Charles fan (love his style and his pass catching) but based on Peterson’s good form and his strong motivation, this signing will help save the Redskins season after Derrius Guice went down.
Great move Redskins.
“Save the season” might be a bit strong but i do think he can be productive.