UPDATE (Tuesday, April 25, 7:50 a.m. ET): Adrian Peterson has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, the free agent running back told ESPN’s Josina Anderson on Tuesday morning.
Peterson also released a statement via Anderson on coming to New Orleans.
“I am excited to be joining the New Orleans Saints,” his statement read. “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. Most importantly, I chose this team because it just felt right within my spirit. Additionally, my wife and family added their confirmation with the same feelings.
“On offense, it goes without saying that the Saints are really solid behind Drew Brees. I feel like my skill set can make them even more dominant as a unit. They have a great offensive line, which is something that stood out to me as well. I could tell from talking to head coach Sean Payton over the last two weeks that he did his due diligence in evaluating how I could contribute.
“I also did a lot of homework on the defense as well. While I know that injuries have played a role in performance, I also see areas of potential with a lot of younger guys having the ability to step up. Lastly, it goes without saying that the Saints have an amazing fan base and I look forward to making them proud and creating everlasting memories.”
ORIGINAL STORY: It appears Adrian Peterson (finally) is about to have a new home.
The free agent running back, who still is job hunting after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, is “closing in” on a contract with the New Orleans Saints, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
It was rumored that Peterson met with the Saints earlier this month, and a move to New Orleans would bring him closer to his hometown of Houston. The 32-year-old likely would split time with Mark Ingram in the Saints’ backfield, which finished 14th in the NFL last season with 101.6 rushing yards per game.
The timing and length of Peterson’s deal still remains unclear, however, as a report surfaced two weeks ago that the seven-time Pro Bowl selection likely won’t sign with a team until after the 2017 NFL Draft, which will be held in Philadelphia this weekend.
Peterson had been considered by a handful of other NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, who put him through a workout in early April.
Peterson has spent his entire NFL career to date with the Vikings, amassing 11,747 rushing yards and 97 touchdowns — both franchise records — over 10 seasons since Minnesota drafted him seventh overall in 2007. He won’t have to wait long for a reunion, though: The Saints open their 2017 season in Minnesota on “Monday Night Football.”
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Images
