New Orleans Saints News & Rumors

Things didn’t work out so well for Adrian Peterson and the Saints last year, but the running back is willing to give it another go. The free agent running back says he’d be open to signing with New Orleans, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 

“Of course I would,” Peterson said. “I’m not tripping over the past, plus it would be a different look.”

The Saints could consider free running backs in the wake of Mark Ingram‘s four-game suspension and head coach Sean Payton says the team would “absolutely” consider Peterson if they went in that direction. Still, the Saints are reportedly focused on those that are already under contract. The Saints have sixth-round Louisiana Tech product Boston Scott, former Bills rusher Jonathan Williams, and Trey Edmunds behind top RB Alvin Kamara.

It only makes sense for Peterson to be open to a Saints return given the lack of interest in the 33-year-old this offseason. However, it remains to be seen whether the Saints will actually pursue another go ’round with No. 28. Last year, Peterson appeared in just four games for the Saints and found himself frustrated by his place in the pecking order. In October, the Saints shipped him to the Cardinals for a conditional draft pick.

Peterson averaged just 3.4 yards per carry last year, but to his credit, he did have two 100-yard games.

After Mark Ingram was suspended for four games earlier this week, we heard that the Saints wouldn’t be pursuing a veteran running back. However, if the organization has a change of heart, they could focus in on a former member of the team. Head coach Sean Payton told reporters (including ESPN’s Mike Triplett) that the Saints would “absolutely” consider signing running back Adrian Peterson if they decided to pursue a veteran player.

“This gets back to the notion that we had some type of any argument (during Week 1) at Minnesota, which I still say there was none,” Payton said. “I think a ton of him.”

Peterson’s stint in New Orleans was short-lived, as the veteran found himself behind Ingram and Alvin Kamara on the depth chart. The 33-year-old ultimately appeared in four games for the Saints, compiling 81 rushing yards on 27 carries. He looked better during his time with the Cardinals, where he finished with 448 yards and two scores on 129 carries. While the future Hall of Famer is getting up there in age, there could still be something left in the tank. After all, Peterson did collect nearly 1,500 rushing yards only two seasons ago (on the flip side, he’s also suffered a torn meniscus since that time).

While there were thoughts that Peterson didn’t get along with Payton, it seems to be the contrary. Despite the lack of playing time, the organization still thought the veteran had a lasting impact on the locker room, especially when it came to Kamara. Peterson recently indicated that he was still interested in playing in the NFL, and he said that several teams had expressed interest.

“I’m healthy and I’m ready to roll,” Peterson said. “If you want someone to help you win a championship and be productive — be very productive — you know how to contact me.”

However, the Saints seem to be more focused on rolling with their current running backs during Ingram’s absence, a grouping that includes Boston Scott, Trey Edmunds and Jonathan Williams. Payton seemed to indicate that he was still going to deploy a “two-headed monster” running attack, as opposed to giving Kamara extra carries.

“The mistake would be then Alvin gets 15 more carries, and that’s not the direction we would expect to go. I don’t think that is wise,” Payton said.