Peterson: "I'm surprised. I didn't see this happening." Still want to play: "Oh, yeah, without a doubt." Will be updating story
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 4, 2020
It’s clear that the Washington Football Team doesn’t have a desire to keep running back Adrian Peterson around for the future, but the veteran made it known on Friday morning after his release that he still believes he has a lot to give to whoever wants him.
So who might want him? That could be a tough question, considering that after his long stint with the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson has bounced around the league a little bit and struggled to find a home. Still, what he did over the past two years in Washington could prove that he is of a lot of value for a team who could use a boost in the running game, particularly on first and second down.
What makes the most sense is for a playoff-contending team to snatch him up and add his veteran presence to the locker room, while also making use of his remaining talent on the field. Here are our three best candidates to fill that role.
New England Patriots
Nobody is quite sure what to expect from the Patriots this season, as it will be their first without Tom Brady in almost two decades. With Cam Newton at the helm, though, there is still a great chance that they can be dynamic on offense, though they are lacking weapons in both the running and passing game. As a strong, early-down runner who can bring some leadership to the locker room, Peterson could immediately come and help Bill Belichick carry on his legacy without Brady.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Is this a joke answer, or could it actually come to fruition? I think it’s a little bit of both, but considering the number of veteran signings they’ve made this offseason, it could very well happen. Of course, the team just signed Leonard Fournette this past week, so a crowded backfield may not be able to support AP coming in as well, but the Bucs definitely fit the criteria of a team with Super Bowl aspirations who could benefit from some experience and leadership in the locker room.
Chicago Bears
The injury to David Montgomery this offseason definitely hurt the Bears, so they stand out a potential suitor for AP as well. However, the team had the opportunity to sign Fournette this past week, and Matt Nagy said that they like their RB room, and they plan to go with what they have. On the flip-side, there may be no team who better knows the pain that Peterson can bring in the running game than the Chicago Bears, thanks to his many years with the Vikings. Might that change their minds? It’s possible.
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