Adrian Peterson’s latest journey takes him to the west coast
Adrian Peterson has been traded by the New Orleans Saints to the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional draft pick. Dianna Russini of ESPN was the first to report the 32-year-old running back being traded after just four games in the Big Easy.
After 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings Peterson signed a two-year, $7 million contract with New Orleans. His playing style failed to mesh in Sean Payton’s schemes and the running back by committee system with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara limited Peterson’s opportunities.
The former MVP and future Hall of Famer was clearly unhappy from day one in New Orleans, notably when he carried the ball six times in the season opener in his former home Minnesota. Trade rumors involving the New York Giants and the Vikings erupted quickly, especially with the Vikings losing rookie Dalvin Cook to a torn ACL.
Arizona lost superstar running back David Johnson for the majority of the season after undergoing wrist surgery. Head coach Bruce Arians hopes to see the MVP candidate back in late December, but it may be too late for the Cardinals to make a playoff push.
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Peterson’s 3.0 yards per rush was 43rd among 47 qualified players this year. His new teammate in Arizona Chris Johnson was only averaging 2.5 yards per carry in relief of the younger Johnson.
Expect Peterson to receive every opportunity to carry the ball in Arizona, who are coming off a 34-7 loss in Philadelphia. Arizona ran the ball 14 times between Johnson, JJ Nelson, Kerwyn Williams, and Andre Ellington for just 31 yards with a long of 14 yards.
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Peterson should be set to make his Cardinals debut at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and have a bye week during week nine.