The Lions haven’t added any running backs this offseason to a stable that was among the NFL’s worst in 2016, but a prominent rusher could be on the way. Lions general manager Bob Quinn indicated Monday that he’s open to signing longtime NFC North rival Adrian Peterson, per Justin Rogers of the Detroit News.
“I think AP still has plenty left in the tank,” Quinn said of the former Viking and current free agent. “We’ll see how it goes.”
While Detroit only has roughly $8.4MM in cap space, which could make a Peterson addition difficult, the team’s nonetheless “definitely still open for business in terms of free agency,” according to Quinn.
Quinn’s the first executive who has publicly expressed an openness to signing Peterson during what has been a disappointing offseason for the seven-time Pro Bowler. Several rumored suitors – the Texans, Patriots, Raiders, Giants – have shown little to no interest in Peterson since the Vikings declined his option in late February. Minnesota, which conceivably could have brought Peterson back at a lower price, then went in a different direction by picking up Latavius Murray. And another NFC North club, the running back-needy Packers, aren’t planning to meet with Peterson in the near future.
A few factors working against Peterson are his age (32), the injury-marred 2016 he endured, and a reportedly high asking price. But Peterson has disputed that he’s demanding too much money, and he’s now hoping to join a contender. Having made the playoffs last season, the Lions would seemingly fit the bill.
Detroit won nine games and got to the postseason despite posting the league’s sixth-worst yards-per-carry average (3.7), though it did go without the banged-up Ameer Abdullah for all but two games. Peterson, meanwhile, tore his meniscus in Week 2 and only played in three cntests. The seven-time 1,200-yard man and 2012 MVP was far from his usual self during that limited action, as he registered a paltry 1.9 YPC over 37 carries. However, Peterson won the league’s rushing title just two seasons ago, so it’s possible a healthier version in 2017 would jump-start the Lions’ backfield if they were to sign him.
a good sign to
sign with the lions
Besides the Vikings, who IS ruling him out? Great article though…
I’d like to see it
Does AP really have anything left? Vikings would have signed him for less money or any other team would have grabbed him right away if he did.