Adrian Peterson, Lions reach deal: Report

Days after he was released from Washington, running back Adrian Peterson agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract Sunday with the Detroit Lions.

Washington cut Peterson, its leading rusher for the last two seasons, on Friday after it had realized the 35-year-old’s role would be severely diminished in 2020. But now with Detroit, Peterson joins a running back rotation in which he’ll receive a better opportunity to carry the ball. Despite his age, Peterson was productive for Washington last season, rushing for 898 yards on 211 attempts.

According to ESPN, Peterson’s new contract contains incentives.

“Ultimately I feel comfortable going there and helping them to get better,” Peterson told NFL insider Josina Anderson.

By signing with the Lions, Peterson returns to the NFC North — a division where the former MVP starred for the Minnesota Vikings. Now, he’ll get to face the Vikings twice per year.

Peterson will also get a shot at Washington as his former team travels to Detroit for a matchup on Nov. 15.

Peterson, though, has said he doesn’t carry a grudge against Washington for releasing him. The seven-time Pro Bowler revitalized his career with Washington after joining the club midway through training camp in 2018. Peterson emerged as a powerful locker room figure, mentoring the team’s younger players.

After down years in Minnesota, New Orleans and Arizona, he also showed he had plenty left in the tank. With Washington, he rushed for 1,940 yards on 462 attempts and 12 touchdowns. Along the way, Peterson continued to break milestones — surpassing legends like Eric Dickerson and Jim Brown in the NFL’s history books for rushing yards and touchdowns. Peterson now ranks fifth all-time in rushing yards and fourth all-time in rushing touchdowns.

Washington’s decision to release Peterson on Thursday caught many off guard, including the running back himself. Peterson told 106.7 The Fan that he was “blindsided” by the news.

Speaking to reporters Friday, Washington coach Ron Rivera said Peterson’s release had nothing to do with the back’s ability.

Third-rounder Antonio Gibson and veteran J.D. McKissic had emerged as better fits for Washington’s offense under offensive coordinator Scott Turner, who relies on running backs in the passing game.

“It’s not about what he hasn’t done or anything like that, but it’s about what this group of backs has shown us, especially in the way that the offense has headed,” Rivera said. “This is what it’s really about. Adrian is a true pro. I was fortunate to just be with him this summer. But, watching the way that he handled himself, handled the other players around him, epitomizes him as a football player.”