It’s Official, AP is Signing with the Saints…

Shows what I know.

As recently as about a week ago, I reiterated my belief that former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would end up with one of two teams (and then really, down to one team) in the New England Patriots and/or the Minnesota Vikings. I obviously reported on the visit that he had with the New Orleans Saints about a two weeks ago, but like many others, didn’t see how Peterson could fit into an offense that is paying Mark Ingram what the Saints pay (both financially and in terms of hand-offs) Ingram. I figured that once Peterson got desperate enough to take what the Saints could afford him (the reported $3.5 million for 2017, with a player option for 2018) that either the Vikings or Patriots would also become realistic for him, especially as the Patriots ended up giving their new running back Mike Gillislee more than that earlier this month.

The story-line with Peterson and the Patriots, at least out of Boston, was that the Pats were simply waiting for his price to reach a certain level. I can’t imagine that level was much lower than $3 million for the season, so perhaps the Patriots really wanted to get Peterson for something like the veteran minimum. Either way, with the Pats nabbing former Bills running back Gillislee, for over $4 million (In his first year, $6.4 over two years), it must’ve been a sign to Peterson that the Saints were his only tangible option. The question then becomes, what does that option look like?

As stated above, the Saints have a lot invested in their running back Mark Ingram. While they did bring in former Bill top pick, CJ Spiller before the 2015 season as a sort of change of pace back, that’s not really Peterson’s MO. He’s a between the tackles, first and second down back. While I’m not entirely familiar with Ingram’s game, it seems like there’s going to be a lot of overlap between the two. Either way, Peterson is obviously enthused to be joining the team and coach that oversaw cheating that blocked his best chance at a ring so far in his career, saying:

“I am excited to be joining the New Orleans Saints. 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.”

While it is hard to knock a player for taking the best (or in this case, perhaps only) contract that is available to him, especially in the NFL where contracts are often worth less than the paper they’re written on. This move does, at least initially, feel vindictive. Sure, 2009 was a long time ago, but the core of the Saints is still there. It’s still Drew Brees’ team, and the head coach is still Sean Payton. Sure, Bounty-Gate mastermind Gregg Williams is elsewhere, but the Curly and Moe of the 2009 Three Stooges are still there. It’s not as bad as when Brett Favre joined the Vikings in 2009 in terms of back-stabbery (From the Packers fans perspective), but I have a feeling that Peterson would love to stick it to the Vikings if not for his views on Kevin Warren, then the gall they had not to pay him $18 million dollars this season. Of course this is all speculation, but it all falls within the realm of possible behavior for Peterson based on his reaction to similar stimuli in the past (“You paid me for the full season after publicly defending me after I beat my own child? I’ll make you pay!”).

So, the reality is that people will be able to buy a Peterson Saints jersey in 2017. The funny thing is, they essentially could’ve bought one after the 2009 NFC Championship game, for the way he handed them that game. Low blow? Probably, but I can’t help it. This one hurts. But, silver lining time! It does allow the Vikings to completely focus on this Friday’s second round of the draft, which is clearly what they’ve been doing the entire time. So, I guess I mean, it more solidifies that the Peterson era is over and that his replacement(s) may still, at least in part, be waiting to join the team. So, keep an eye on fellow Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon, as he’s my pick for where the Vikings are headed with their first pick in the second round. Considering how on the nose I was with this whole Peterson deal, I just wouldn’t put any money on it if I were you!

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