After losing rookie Derrius Guice to a season-ending torn ACL in the opener of the preseason, Washington signed Peterson to a one-year deal on Monday to bolster the team’s depth at running back, according to reports.
Washington hosted the 33-year-old on Monday, one day after working out free agent running backs Orleans Darkwa and Jamaal Charles.
The starting job currently belongs to Rob Kelley, with back-ups Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall dealing with ankle injuries. Pass-catching back Chris Thompson is also on the roster, although his recovery from a broken leg suffered in November of last season is ongoing.
Washington could have prioritised singing a third-down back capable of helping in the passing game as both a receiver and blocker in case neither Thompson or Marshall are ready for the start of the regular season.
However, by bringing in Peterson, it could be an indication Washington aren’t thrilled with Kelley as the clear-cut starter and will use more of a committee approach.
Adrian Peterson is in D.C. rocking Redskins gear...👀
— theScore (@theScore) August 20, 2018
(📸: Instagram/chosen1_47) pic.twitter.com/ONd2upHBRr
With Kelley and Perine handling a majority of the work last season, Washington finished with the fifth-fewest rushing yards in the league (1,448) and third-fewest yards per carry (3.6).
Peterson, meanwhile, had a pair of 100-yard games with the Arizona Cardinals after being traded from New Orleans to fill the void left by David Johnson’s injury.
Now, Peterson will face his former team in Week 1 of the regular season when Washington travel to face Arizona.
DEZ BRYANT
It seemed like the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver was set to sign with the Cleveland Browns when he visited the team this past week.
However, he left without a contract and it appears as if the interest from the Browns side has cooled, especially with Josh Gordon back in the fold.
.@DezBryant told me a week ago he’d visit the #Browns on Thur. Here he goes, at Cleveland airport ht @munistrugglebus pic.twitter.com/v2Otayzjdh
— mike fisher ✭ (@fishsports) August 16, 2018
Bryant is reportedly seeking a one-year deal to prove he’s still one of the best receivers in the league, despite failing to crack 1,000 yards since 2014.
He may be past his prime, but at 29, he’s still young enough to bring his athleticism to the table and contribute in the red zone, where he’s been a monster throughout his career.
But for Bryant to join a team, it will likely require him to bring down his asking price.
COLIN KAEPERNICK
The Buffalo Bills are exploring signing another quarterback after A.J. McCarron suffered a shoulder injury and Kaepernick remains a free agent.
The likelihood of the Bills becoming the team to finally bring in Kaepernick is slim, but there are few options comparable to the former San Francisco 49er.
Matt Moore could be a good fit, but there’s little to suggest he’s a better player than Kaepernick.
Eric Reid is similarly suffering for his national anthem protest, with the 26-year-old former Pro Bowl safety also a free agent.
