Veteran running back Adrian Peterson’s stint with the New Orleans Saints lasted just four games as he was traded to the arizona cardinals for an undisclosed 2018 draft pick. The 32-year-old Peterson will get the chance to play the main role that he’s been eyeing to play when he joined the Saints on a two-year deal worth $7 million in the offseason. Peterson is expected to fit old-school coach Bruce Arians’ scheme, which uses the usual style of quarterback under center in an I-formation or traditional single-back. Stacey Dales of NFL Network reported that Peterson said he’s ecstatic over the chance to play under Arians with the Cardinals.
The Cardinals are eyeing a reliable rusher after their main runner, David Johnson, suffered an injury in Week 1. Arizona signed its former starting running back Chris Johnson but he was far from the rusher who once broke 2,000 yards rushing in a single season. Chris Johnson averaged just 2.5 yards per carry on 45 rushes, forcing the Cardinals to release him after acquiring Peterson from the Saints.
Peterson disappointed with Saints stint
Peterson signed with the Saints after a 10-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings where he emerged as one of the league’s best running backs. After he signed, the Saints said they expected Peterson to be an excellent fit “in our locker room and in our offense," per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider.
However, Peterson expressed dismay over his lack of touches against the Vikings after tallying just 18 yards on six carries in Week 1. However, Saints coach Sean Payton said the team made it clear to the veteran running back that Mark Ingram is the team’s main rusher.
In his last game with the Saints, he tallied just four yards on four carries in their 20-0 win over the Miami Dolphins in London.
In four games, Peterson tallied a measly 81 yards on 27 carries. Peterson was a four-time Pro Bowler during his 10-year stint with the Vikings. He left the Vikings as the team’s career rushing leader with 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns. In his last season with the Vikings, Peterson was limited to just three games due to a knee injury, tallying just 37 carries for 72 yards and no touchdowns.
Cardinals excited about Peterson’s arrival
According to Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, per NFL.com, the team called Peterson’s signing one of the opportunities to improve the team. "What Adrian has accomplished in this league is well-established,” said Keim, who is hoping that the future Hall of Famer will spark the Cardinals' running game. Currently, the Cardinals are last in the NFL in rushing with just 51.8 ground yards per game.
