D’Andre Swift lobbies for the Lions to bring back Adrian Peterson

Peterson led the Lions in rushing in 2020 but Swift had a better YPC

D’andre Swift is coming off a promising rookie season in Detroit. The second-round RB ran for 511 yards and averaged an impressive 4.6 yards per carry while also proving himself as a receiver, catching 46 passes out of the backfield.

Swift is primed for a bigger role in 2021 under new head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn. But Swift still wants the veteran presence of Adrian Peterson with him in the Lions backfield.

Peterson is a free agent after his one season with the Lions. He ran for more yards than Swift but averaged nearly a yard less per carry, and he offers little in the passing game. Even though Peterson will be 36 and his best days are behind him, Swift values the presence of the four-time All-Pro and hopes he’s back in Detroit.

From CBS Sports,

“I definitely want him back,” he says, noting that he “picked his brain” throughout his rookie year.

It’s an interesting decision facing the Lions. The team still has Kerryon Johnson under contract at RB with rising star Swift. But Peterson was well-respected in the locker room and still had some life left in his legs.

[listicle id=58582]