5 running backs the Detroit Lions could potentially trade for

Adrian Peterson – Washington Redskins

Fans of the Detroit Lions know exactly who running back Adrian Peterson is. He spent a decade terrorizing the NFC North in his prime with the Minnesota Vikings. For five of those seasons, Peterson had Darrell Bevell as his offensive coordinator, who is now running the offense in the Motor City.

If the Lions are looking for an inexpensive fill-in for Kerryon Johnson, look no further than Peterson. He still has the ability to gain those tough inside yards and can get you big gains from time-to-time. If you are looking for a versatile back who can help in the passing game as well, you might want to pass.

But I don’t think that’s the case in Detroit. Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic have proven to be reliable receivers out of the backfield. Allow them to handle third-down duties and make Peterson a two-down/short-yardage specialist between the tackles. No one could make it work with Peterson more than Bevell.

And the 1-6 Washington Redskins, who recently fired their head coach, will likely let Peterson go for a song. It’s a relatively inexpensive flier on a player your first-year offensive coordinator has had multiple 1,000 yard rushing seasons with in the past.