Sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini that a major NFL trade has taken place between the arizona cardinals (2-3) and the New Orleans Saints (2-2). The Saints traded big-name free agent acquisition, running back Adrian Peterson, to the Cardinals in return for a conditional draft pick. This trade will have ramifications for the backfield of both teams for the rest of the NFL season.

What this trade means for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed Adrian Peterson in April to a two-year deal that was worth up to $8.25 million.

He joined a Saints team that already featured Mark Ingram, who was coming off of his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL. They then drafted running back Alvin Kamara out of Tennessee in the third round.

Peterson had spent his whole ten-year career with the Minnesota Vikings and had basically all of the carries in that time. Now, he would have to get used to splitting the ball three ways while playing in an offensive system that did not really suit him as an I-formation runner.

This manifested itself early, as Peterson and head coach Sean Payton got into an argument on the sidelines in week one over what type of running plays should be done. Through four games Peterson has gotten 27 carries for only 81 yards (3.0 yards per carry).

In comparison, Ingram is 42 for 170, while Kamara is 15 for 83.

With Peterson gone the team can now go back to giving more carries to Ingram, while also getting the rookie Kamara even more involved in the offense. Through four games he is second on the team in receptions (20) and receiving yards (147).

What this trade means for the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals entered the season with star running back, and MVP candidate David Johnson set to carry the offense. However, he suffered a dislocated wrist in the first game and was placed on injured reserve, his season over.

Arizona then brought back Chris Johnson to attempt to fill the huge hole the team now had at running back.

This has not worked out as Johnson, Andre Ellington, and Kerwynn Williams have combined to have 72 carries for 215 yards (2.98 per carry) and one touchdown in the last four games.

By adding Adrian Peterson, the Cardinals are hoping to jump-start their running game and take pressure off of Carson Palmer and their defense. However, the team's offensive line has been awful and injured this year, and Peterson's presence will not change that.

Left tackle D.J. Humphries has not played since week one due to a sprained MCL. Left guard Mike Iupati was placed on injured reserve at the end of September due to a triceps injury. Meanwhile, first-year starter Evan Boehm has been inconsistent at right guard.

So too has right tackle Jared Veldheer, who played left tackle last season.
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