What are the best landing spots for Adrian Peterson?

By: Pat Pitts

The year is 2021 and Adrian Peterson is still playing football at a competitive level. In the past two seasons, he has rushed for a combined 1500 yards and 12 touchdowns. Todd Gurley has rushed for the same amount of yards in this span. 

Peterson, who turned 36 in March, is a free agent heading into the season. He spent last season in the Motor City leading the Lions in rushing attempts and yards. In 2019, he led the Washington Football Team in all rushing stats. 

Adrian Peterson does not age. 

 There are a lot of teams that would benefit from signing this future Hall of Famer. However, I’m only going to mention a few. Here are the teams that should sign Peterson. 

Honorable Mention: Minnesota Vikings 

This needs to be said. Adrian Peterson must retire a Viking. 

In a league where loyalty has been tossed in the trash, someone needs to revive it. The man ran for 2000 yards after tearing his ACL. He made Minnesota football exciting once again. 

It is unlikely it will happen in 2021 but after the season a one-day contract could be in play. 

Detroit Lions

Peterson signed with the Lions a few days before the 2020 season began. A head-scratching decision turned out to be one of the few positives to take away from the rollercoaster year. He led the Lions in rush attempts and yards, along with ranking second in touchdowns behind D’Andre Swift. 

Peterson resigning in Detroit could be the best option for the 15-year veteran. Peterson mentoring Swift gives Lions fans hope for the future along with the dynamic duo rushing for a combined 1100+ in Anthony Lynn’s run-heavy offense. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Staying with the theme of mentorship, Peterson has the chance to be a mentor to a future top-five RB in the NFL. 

James Conner’s departure to the desert gives Anthony McFarland the opportunity to slide into the RB1 role over Benny Snell and recently signed Kalen Ballage. 

Also, “Big” Ben Roethlisberger has an elite running back again lining up beside him. The last time Roethlisberger had an elite RB line up next to him, he performed at an elite level. Between 2014 and 2018, he led the league in passing twice throwing for over 4500. 

Peterson does not only help to mentor younger RBs, but gives Roethlisberger confidence to air the ball out. 

*also, how sick would AP look in the black and yellow uniforms??* 

Cincinatti Bengals

Joe Mixon has not had the best start to his career. For reference, Peterson has rushed for more yards than Mixon over the past few seasons. 

The departure of Gio Benard leaves an empty spot for AP to fill. He acts as a giant security blanket for Burrow. Peterson’s ability to burst out big runs allows Burrow to gain more confidence and air it out to Boyd and Higgins. 

Peterson can help this team win and develop their game in one season. He is an interesting free agent that could improve a franchise over night. 

New England Patriots

Oops. Is my bias showing? 

Other than the obvious reason of having Adrian Peterson on the Patriots would be a dream come true, it actually makes sense for this new and improved New England football team. 

James White resigned. Damian Harris looks ready to become a workhorse. Sony Michel remains on the chopping block until he learns how to run the football. 

Peterson would compliment James White extremely well and could be utilized in Belichick’s 2021 offense. He did not sign two of the league’s top TE to just catch passes; he wants them to fight in the trenches. 

Cam Newton and Adrian Peterson possibly joining forces to run over the NFL puts a smile on my face. A man can dream. 

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals signed James Conner to a one year contract. His performance in 2020 should indicate how that experiment will turn out. The Cardinals need an explosive, elusive back in that offense. Peterson fits the mold. 

How bad has James Conner been the past two seasons? Adrian Peterson has rushed for more yards AND more touchdowns than Conner on teams with below .500 records. 

Kyler Murray has been gifted everything he could possibly need for a deep playoff run. Why not add one of the greatest RBs to the squad? 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence and Adrian Peterson in the same offense. A sentence that sounds like a hypothetical could become a reality in 2021. 

James Robinson remains the premiere back in their offense after his monster rookie campaign. However, he is not ready for an RB1 workload just yet. 

Peterson compliments Robinson’s play style extremely well and will provide a lot of relief for Robinson. He broke out in 2020 rushing for over 1000 yards and ranking as a top five fantasy running back to end the season. 

Adrian Peterson and James Robinson make a lethal backfield that no team could be able to contain. 

The last option is retirement, but I do not want to see that just yet. Adrian Peterson is one of the most fun players to watch. At 36 years old, he still can bust through gaps and break defender’s ankles on a dime. He continues to play at a high level each season. 

Adrian Peterson needs to be signed. The NFL needs one more season of AP.