Adrian Peterson was supposed to be done. The future Hall of Fame running back had trouble finding a job leading up to 2018 after the New Orleans Saints traded him to the Arizona Cardinals midway through the previous season and he was subsequently released. Peterson just hadn't shown enough on the field to garner significant interest as a free agent, especially considering the widespread assumption he would only be comfortable as a team's featured back.
But the Washington Redskins took a chance on him regardless, inking the the 33-year-old to a one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum of $1.015 million in late August.
Needless to say, Peterson proved worth that low-risk, high-reward gamble, consistently flashing the dynamic running ability that made him one of the league's most dangerous players for the better part of a decade. Now, Washington is reportedly looking to re-sign him as it revamps an offense that woefully underperformed in 2018.
ESPN's John Keim wrote on Tuesday that the Redskins have had “preliminary” discussions with Peterson on a new contract, and hope to bring him back for 2019 after the 12-year veteran rushed for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry this season.
Assuming the sides reach an agreement, Peterson should be in a better situation next season than he was his first campaign with Washington. Last year's second-round pick, running back Derrius Guice, figured to be a fixture of the team's offensive plans as a rookie, but tore his ACL early in training camp. Peterson is primed to enjoy the benefits of a two-horse backfield with Guice healthy, a development that could extend his career even further than anticipated.
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