The Adrian Peterson era is over in New Orleans. The Saints have traded the running back to the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional pick in the 2018 draft. The Saints have confidence in Mark Ingram and their rookie standout back, Alvin Kamara, and felt as though Peterson became frustrated with his limited role with the team. He now makes the move to a Cardinals team that struggles running the ball. Peterson believes he still has the ability to be a premier back in the league but is Arizona the right place for him to prove that?
Limited role, limited time
The Saints brought Peterson in after he was let go by the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason. Many scratched their heads at this move, as Peterson has always been a premier back and never had to split carries with anyone else. The Saints had Mark Ingram and drafted Kamara, so their idea for their backfield was a running back by committee. Peterson made the adjustment, but it wasn't a smooth one. In the Saints Week 1 Monday night game against the Vikings, Peterson was seen getting into a verbal exchange with head coach Sean Payton. Both diffused the situation after the game, but it was evident there that Peterson wasn't happy with his role.
Peterson has been absent this season, as he gained only 81 yards through the first four games of the season.
His longest run was 11 yards and he is averaging only 3.0 yards per carry. The 32-year-old running back hasn't been a factor for the Saints (2-2), so the Saints decided to go with their younger running backs and ship Peterson out to Arizona, where he is desperately needed.
Insurance Claim
The Cardinals are happy to have a back like Peterson on their roster, as their general manager Steve Keim said: "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." Keim is right because Adrian Peterson's 3.0 yards per carry is still higher than any Cardinals running back on the roster.
The Cardinals have suffered from the loss of their star back David Johnson who had a wrist injury that required surgery. The Cardinals weren't expecting him back until after Thanksgiving, and now he might not even play again this season. The Cardinals are last in the NFL in rush yards (51.8) and yards per rush (2.59).
The Cardinals have released Chris Johnson in order to make room for Peterson.
The Cardinals are only a game out of first place the NFC West, even though they have been playing subpar the entire season. The Cardinals have a long road before even thinking about getting David Johnson back, so this was a move for insurance in case he doesn't return this season. Getting a back like Peterson is always an upgrade, but can he help these awful Cardinals in the running game?
