5 players the Detroit Lions must move on from in 2021

#2. Adrian Peterson, Running Back

With rookie D’Andre Swift clearly being the future, it’s time for the new regime in Detroit to pursue the youth movement at the running back position. And that will likely end Adrian Peterson‘s short tenure in the Motor City this Sunday.

Entering his 14th year in the NFL, Peterson was a surprise starter to kick of the season in Detroit. And after he racked up 93 rushing yards on 14 carries against the Chicago Bears in Week One, it appeared the 35-year old still had plenty left in the tank.

But Peterson has been able to match those lofty numbers ever since and as the season has worn down, so has he. Swift eventually overtook the veteran back as the starter in Detroit and there’s no reason to think that trend doesn’t continue into the offseason regardless of who the head coach.

Also, consider the fact Kerryon Johnson still has one year left on his rookie deal. So the Lions already possess a solid one-two punch in Swift and Johnson. Bringing in another young running back to develop behind them rather than re-signing an aging Peterson seems like the best course of action.