The Adrian Peterson experiment in New Orleans is over – and it didn’t take long for AP to move his way up the depth chart with his new team.
The 32-year-old running back was traded to the Arizona Cardinals Tuesday in exchange for a conditional 2018 sixth-round draft pick. ESPN first reported the deal.
On the surface, the move made sense for Arizona – dynamic third-year runner David Johnson is out for at least another month, likely more, following wrist surgery. That left Chris Johnson (yes, the former Titan) atop their depth chart, who has 114 rush yards on 45 attempts this season. Behind him were Kerwynn Williams and Andre Ellington.
But Peterson is clearly being viewed as an immediate starter at the position.
Arizona listed AP atop the depth chart within hours of the trade being announced.
Updated offensive depth chart. pic.twitter.com/E1BU5RB2Hk
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 10, 2017
“I’m so ecstatic,” Peterson told NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, according to the Arizona Cardinals.
It looks like a huge role change for the former MVP, who had 27 carries in four games for the Saints in 2017, rushing for a total of 81 yards. His longest run is 11 yards, and he got a career-low six snaps in their game against Miami.
Peterson appeared to be the third running back option for Head Coach Sean Payton. And there were signs of discord early on, when he gave Payton a death stare during the season opener against the Vikings, in which Peterson carried the ball six times. (AP though said it wasn’t what it looked like.)
But he’s got a new home, at least for now, and they appear happy to have him – not just the coaches who appear poised to give Peterson a serious workload, but also his new teammates.
https://twitter.com/P2/status/917824518898495488
#mymood this morning! pic.twitter.com/argrOq3KDP
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) October 10, 2017
Arizona released the aforementioned Chris Johnson to make room for AP.
“We are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve our team,” General Manager Steve Keim said in a statement. “What Adrian has accomplished in this league is well-established. Our need for a spark in the running game right now is also obvious and we are excited to give him the chance to provide that.”
The Cardinals (2-3) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday.
