The Washington Football Team opted to release running back Adrian Peterson with the start of the 2020 NFL season just over a week away. Despite reports indicating that there is no shortage of interest in his services on the open market, it appears he is still coming to terms with the recent turn of events.

Peterson admitted during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan that he was blindsided by his release after getting a call from head coach Rob Rivera:

“It kind of blindsided me. I got a call from coach Rivera this morning, he told me to come in and see him,” Peterson said.

Peterson's reaction is certainly understandable given the integral role in the backfield he was slated to play in the 2020 campaign. Although there was initially some speculation regarding his status during the coaching change, Rivera ultimately opted to keep him around as one of the notable mainstays in the offense until the final roster cuts came around.

Despite being in the final stretch of his career, Adrian Peterson enjoyed quite a resurgence in Washington by rushing for 1,940 yards, 12 touchdowns, and averaging 4.2 yards per carry during his two seasons with the team. Reports indicate that the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers could be among his potential suitors leading up to the 2020 campaign.

Meanwhile, Washington already had a notable void to fill with the release of running back Derrius Guice due to domestic violence charges. They will be relying on a committee of Antonio Gibson, Bryce Love, Peyton Barber, and J.D. McKissic to lead the backfield.