The New Orleans Saints are not planning to trade veteran running back Adrian Peterson, who recently complained about his lack of carries in their 29-19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Saints will not part ways with Peterson at this time, but they could explore the possibility of trading him before the deadline. Sources told Schefter that the Saints recognize how effective Peterson can be, so they will be giving him enough time to adjust to his new team. Several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants, might be interested in Peterson but the Saints are determined to make it work before deciding on their next move.
Rumors of a Peterson trade surfaced after he expressed displeasure over his lack of carries against his former team, the Vikings. Peterson only had six carries for 18 yards and remained on the sidelines as Saints coach Sean Payton decided to go with their passing game. Peterson and Payton were seen having a verbal exchange in the sideline, but both downplayed the incident. However, Peterson said "I didn't sign up for nine snaps, though,” during an interview Thursday.
Payton: No discussion on Peterson’s role before signing
Before facing the New England Patriots Sunday, Payton clarified that they never discussed Peterson's usage before signing the veteran rusher to a contract. “I don't think we've ever discussed featuring him like he was featured in Minnesota," Payton said.
Payton stressed that when they signed the 32-year-old Peterson to a contract, it was clear to him that Mark Ingram is entrenched as the starting rusher. Aside from Ingram, Peterson has to battle rookie Alvin Kamara for carries as well.
After a 10-year stint with the Vikings, Peterson signed a two-year deal worth $7 million with the Saints.
Ben Goessling of ESPN reported that Peterson’s deal was incentive-laden, where he will earn $150,000 if he reaches 750 yards, $250,000 at 1,000 yards and $1 million if he reaches 1,500 yards, which he achieved in 2008 and 2012.
Saints shopping safety Kenny Vacarro
While Peterson was not on the trading block, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider reported that the Saints are shopping their former first-round safety Kenny Vacarro.
Rapoport obtained the information from his sources, who claimed that the Saints spent the early portion of this week calling teams and offering Vacarro. A versatile defensive back Vacarro is playing on his fifth-year option worth $5.7 million. If Vacarro is traded, the Saints plan to use reserve safety Vonn Bell in his place.
