The New Orleans Saints traded running back Adrian Peterson today to the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional sixth round draft pick.
Peterson’s tenure in New Orleans lasted all of four games. He was never a good fit in Sean Payton’s offense. The Saints are a pass first team. The offense runs through Drew Brees, not the running game. Peterson requires a certain number of carries to be productive. With Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara already on he roster, Peterson wasn’t going to get the number of touches he expects.
So what are the Cardinals and fantasy owners who have faithfully stuck by Peterson getting? A motivated veteran who wants to prove he still something left. Peterson is a shell of the running back he once was but if given 15-20 carries a game, he can still be productive.
Of course Peterson’s production will depend on whether or not the Cardinals can establish the running game and actually play with the lead. They have fallen behind in every game this season and they have had to abandon the run. The Cardinals did release Chris Johnson so they are showing faith in Peterson.
Peterson is owned in 47.5 percent of ESPN leagues. He is available in most leagues and is worth taking a flyer on, especially now that the bye weeks are here. Peterson will get more touches in Arizona than he did in New Orleans. Let’s see if he can produce more now that he is once again the man.