The new orleans Saints have welcomed Adrian Peterson in to talk about possibly playing for them in 2017, something that could immediately make The Saints a playoff contender once again. This is a huge move because the Saints have never really had a game-changing running back since Sean Payton took over as head coach and if he doesn’t make it back to the playoffs this year, he might not get another chance in New Orleans. That makes bringing in someone like Peterson, if just for a look, to be a complete no-brainer for the Saints heading into the 2017 NFL season.

Adrian Peterson and the New Orleans Saints

Adrian Peterson remains one of the best NFL players to remain unsigned by any team since the NFL free agency period began. As Peterson said, it isn’t about the contract demands and money asked for, it is about him finding the perfect team where he feels that he could win a Super Bowl – the first of his career. The New Orleans Saints have not been a Super Bowl contender since they played in – and won – the Super Bowl in 2009. However, since that Super Bowl, the won their division only one time – in 2011 - and only made it back to the playoffs again after that in 2013. Sitting at home for three consecutive seasons puts Sean Payton on the bubble and Adrian Peterson could be the player that finally turns things around in New Orleans.

Peterson is a three-time NFL rushing champion and is one of the best running backs in the NFL over the last decade. As Peterson has proved, he comes back from injuries stronger than before so whoever gets him in 2017 could be in for a treat as Adrian tries to prove to the NFL that he isn't finished yet.

Saints running back options

While the New Orleans Saints have never had a game-changing running back, they do have a good runner in former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. He is a solid player who finally enjoyed his first 1,000-yard season in 2016. However, that was his sixth year in the NFL and to run for 1,000 yards for the first time at the age of 27 is not promising.

There is also the fact that the Saints need defensive help and can’t spend too much money on Adrian Peterson when they have more pressing needs on the other side of the ball. However, they let Tim Hightower leave for the San Francisco 49ers, which means that they will have to rely on Ingram to repeat his 2016 performance without injuries if they want to win in 2017. With Sean Payton coaching for his future, Peterson might be a gamble worth taking.