Adrian Peterson is headed to the Motor City.
Two days after being released by the Washington Football Team, the veteran running back has agreed to join the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per informed sources. The move brings Peterson back to the NFC North where he made a name for himself in 10 sensational seasons with the Vikings.
The 35-year-old Peterson, who has previously stated he intends to play at least another four years, will make a base salary of $1.05 million and can earn up to $1.25M in incentives, upping the total amount to a max of $2.3M, Pelissero added.
The news of the signing may not be as surprising, considering that Pelissero reported shortly after Peterson's release that three teams had already inquired about him, but that same sentiment might not apply to the location.
Instead of joining a contender or waiting for an opportunity at a starting spot to open up, Peterson -- the experienced alpha with a proven track record -- opted to join a room brimming with hungry cubs. Lead back Kerryon Johnson, who's coming off an injury-plagued 2019 campaign, will look to have a bounce back year in his third season while 2020 second-round pick D'Andre Swift and promising talents Ty Johnson, 22, and Bo Scarborough, 23, seek to show they belong.
After a promising rookie year, Kerryon Johnson was limited to eight games due to a knee injury and turned in 403 yards and three touchdowns (3.6 yards per carry). Ty Johnson and Scarborough valiantly shouldered the bulk of load but it was evident Detroit needed more production from the position. Peterson's arrival should provide that, whether it be as a starter (if needed) or viable option in a backfield committee.
With Johnson in and out of the lineup, the Lions ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards last season with 1,649 total yards and an average of 103.1 per game. Adding a motivated Peterson on a prove-it deal should help improve that figure.
