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The Washington Redskins are heading into the 2020 season with a crowded backfield. As a result, ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes that Adrian Peterson could be released by the Redskins this offseason.
Peterson, who turned 35 years old a month ago, is entering his 14th season in the NFL, making it his third season with the Redskins. However, looking at Washington's offseason moves, all signs point toward Peterson being a cap casualty prior to next season.
Aside from Peterson, the Redskins feature a backfield that includes Derrius Guice, Bryce Love, Peyton Barber and rookie Antonio Gibson. Given that Gibson was just drafted, he is essentially the only running back guaranteed a roster spot.
On the other hand, the team selected Guice in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite his injury woes to begin his career, it's unlikely that Washington would already give up on him in 2020.
In addition, the Redskins signed Barber in free agency, giving them another veteran at running back. Seeing that Barber received a two-year deal, Washington envisions him as someone that can contribute next season.
That leaves Peterson, who provides leadership in the locker room, as a feasible cut candidate. In his two seasons in Washington, Peterson has done a remarkable job filling in for Guice amid his injury concerns. However, with Barber, Gibson and Love, the Redskins have more than enough bodies to spell Guice if he gets injured again.
Even at his age, Peterson can still be a contributor to any offense in the NFL. But provided the current state of Washington's backfield, it appears he could be the odd man out among the Redskins' slew of running backs.
