The Redskins announced that they have exercised Adrian Peterson‘s option for the 2020 season. With that, they’ve committed to the legendary running back for his age-35 campaign. 
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Peterson will count for a $3.1MM hit against the Redskins’ 2020 cap. Had they declined the option, the Redskins would have saved $2.4MM.
In 2020, Peterson will be chasing history. He currently sits fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list and he can leapfrog Barry Sanders with another ~1,000 yards. That won’t be easy to do, but Peterson ran for 1,042 yards in his first season with the Redskins and notched 898 yards on the ground last year.
Peterson has had his ups and downs, but he staved off Father Time in 2019. Last year, he played in 15 games and averaged 4.3 yards per tote. At the same time, Derrius Guice was limited to just five games and there are serious question marks about his status given his longstanding medical history.
Bringing back Peterson solves one part of the Redskins’ RB puzzle. They still have to figure out what they’ll do with pass-catching specialist Chris Thompson, who is slated for free agency. The Redskins will also have to keep an eye on 2019 fourth-round pick Bryce Love who has yet to play an NFL down thanks to his pre-draft ACL tear.
This is a very good extension/signing without much risk. Peterson has earned that extension with his play (first year was vet minimum). With Adrian Peterson on the roster, Rivera has at least one high quality back available for 2019.
Not so sure Chris Thompson would be a good signing at this point. He appears to have peaked in 2016/2017. At 29, he hasn’t shown the durability or hunger to play into his thirties. Depends what kind of money Thompson wants. There’s probably someone somewhere willing to pay him more (ex-coaches Shanahan in SF, Jay Gruden in Jacksonville).
Guice is a better back if he can stay healthy. He’s better now , not when AP was in his prime. I believe if Guice can play a whole season he would be top 3 back in NFL. Very talented back.
Why bring him back. Allow him the chance to play on a real contender for a Super Bowl.
If AP could gain 1000 or more yards the Redskins would be the only team to ever have two players over the age of 33 accomplish that.