MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 11: Adrian Peterson #28 of the New Orleans Saints runs behind the line of scrimmage during the game against the Minnesota Vikings on September 11, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Saints 29-19. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
When Adrian Peterson signed with the New Orleans Saints, many thought it was an interesting move for the likely Hall of Fame running back. The Saints had an obvious starter in Mark Ingram which made it seem — at the very least — they would split carries. Then, just three days after signing Peterson, the Saints took Alvin Kamara in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. It didn’t seem like the Saints were confident in AP’s ability at the ripe old age of 32.
That manifested today when the Saints sent Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2018 conditional draft pick.
Trade! The New Orleans Saints have traded Adrian Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional pick per sources
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 10, 2017
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it was Kamara’s performance through the first four games that led the Saints to trade Peterson.
What pushed New Orleans to trade Adrian Peterson to Arizona is the team's feeling about RB Alvin Kamara.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 10, 2017
Peterson wasn’t getting the touches he expected when he signed with the Saints. Through four games he had just 27 carries for 81 yards (3.0 yards per carry) and was conceding touches to Kamara, who has 83 yards on his 15 carries (5.5 yards per carry) and 20 receptions for 147 yards. The young rookie is super talented and the Saints needed to clear up the cloudy situation.
With the Cardinals releasing Chris Johnson after making this move, they are going all-in on Peterson. He will have a chance to prove if there is anything left in the tank.
“We are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve our team and we look at this as one of those opportunities,” general manager Steve Keim said, according to ESPN. “What Adrian has accomplished in this league is well-established. Our need for a spark in our running game right now is also obvious and we are excited to give him the chance to provide that.”
Given the Cardinals are dead last in yards (51.8) and yards per carry (2.59), they were in desperate need to change things up. They still have a chance in the division despite starting 2-3; the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are tied at the top of the NFC West with a 3-2 record.
Here’s to hoping this is the chance All Day needed. The NFL is a better game with him running well.
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