Detroit Lions to sign Adrian Peterson; Reunites with Darrell Bevell

The Detroit Lions’ running game adds future Hall of Famer, Adrian Peterson

For 10 years, the Detroit Lions faced Adrian Peterson twice a season as a longtime member of their divisional foes, the Minnesota Vikings, Now, the Lions intend to sign the future Hall of Fame running back.

As first reported by Josina Anderson, Peterson has agreed to sign a one-year deal in the Motor City. The deal is worth up to $2.3 million including incentives according to the Detroit Free Press.

The signing of a veteran running back is nothing new during head coach Matt Patricia’s short tenure in Detroit. In 2018, the Lions signed former New England Patriots’ running back LeGarrette Blount. The following year, that veteran back was C.J. Anderson. Now, it’s Peterson.

What does Adrian Peterson bring to the Detroit Lions?

But at 35-years old, does Peterson have anything left in the tank? He was surprisingly released on Friday by the Washington Football Team despite the expectation he would potentially start Week One in their matchup against their divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Instead, Washington released Peterson after two seasons. Last year, he recorded 898 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a more than respectable 4.3 yards per carry over 15 games. In 2018, Peterson was a 16-game starter for Washington, racking up 1,042 yards and eight total scores. That included the 90-yard touchdown run below.

The move also reunites Peterson with Darrell Bevell, the Lions’ second-year offensive coordinator. The two spent four years together in the same exact roles with the Vikings from 2007-2010. In fact, Adrian had his second-best season as a professional under Bevell recording an incredible 1,760 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008.

In Motown, Adrian Peterson figures to be a mentor to running backs Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift. But Peterson could also play a major role early as both Johnson and Swift enter the 2020 regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears in a week with injury concerns.