New Orleans Saints News & Rumors

After Mark Ingram was suspended for four games earlier this week, we heard that the Saints wouldn’t be pursuing a veteran running back. However, if the organization has a change of heart, they could focus in on a former member of the team. Head coach Sean Payton told reporters (including ESPN’s Mike Triplett) that the Saints would “absolutely” consider signing running back Adrian Peterson if they decided to pursue a veteran player.

“This gets back to the notion that we had some type of any argument (during Week 1) at Minnesota, which I still say there was none,” Payton said. “I think a ton of him.”

Peterson’s stint in New Orleans was short-lived, as the veteran found himself behind Ingram and Alvin Kamara on the depth chart. The 33-year-old ultimately appeared in four games for the Saints, compiling 81 rushing yards on 27 carries. He looked better during his time with the Cardinals, where he finished with 448 yards and two scores on 129 carries. While the future Hall of Famer is getting up there in age, there could still be something left in the tank. After all, Peterson did collect nearly 1,500 rushing yards only two seasons ago (on the flip side, he’s also suffered a torn meniscus since that time).

While there were thoughts that Peterson didn’t get along with Payton, it seems to be the contrary. Despite the lack of playing time, the organization still thought the veteran had a lasting impact on the locker room, especially when it came to Kamara. Peterson recently indicated that he was still interested in playing in the NFL, and he said that several teams had expressed interest.

“I’m healthy and I’m ready to roll,” Peterson said. “If you want someone to help you win a championship and be productive — be very productive — you know how to contact me.”

However, the Saints seem to be more focused on rolling with their current running backs during Ingram’s absence, a grouping that includes Boston Scott, Trey Edmunds and Jonathan Williams. Payton seemed to indicate that he was still going to deploy a “two-headed monster” running attack, as opposed to giving Kamara extra carries.

“The mistake would be then Alvin gets 15 more carries, and that’s not the direction we would expect to go. I don’t think that is wise,” Payton said.

Nearly two months after the Cardinals released Adrian Peterson, the 11-year veteran has experienced an off-the-radar free agency stay. Unlike last offseason, he hasn’t been connected to any teams since being released. But he’s not planning to retire.

Peterson wants to continue to play and said, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, multiple teams have reached out to him. However, the 33-year-old back adds that nothing is imminent regarding a landing spot. Although, at this juncture of his career, Peterson may not need an extensive offseason with a team.

“I’m healthy and I’m ready to roll,” Peterson said, via Pelissero. “If you want someone to help you win a championship and be productive — be very productive — you know how to contact me.”

Peterson finished last season on IR with a neck injury, one that didn’t require surgery. The future Hall of Famer said three doctors in Houston and Los Angeles have cleared him. The three-time rushing champion also would be open to returning to the Saints, who suddenly have some uncertainty in their backfield with Mark Ingram being suspended for four games and skipping offseason workouts. Pelissero reports the Saints viewed Peterson, his apparent ill-fitting style in New Orleans’ offense notwithstanding, as a positive influence on Alvin Kamara.

“For whatever reason, it just didn’t work out (in New Orleans), but when I got my shot in Arizona, I showed what I was able to do,” said Peterson, who posted two 100-plus-yard games with the Cardinals after arriving via midseason trade. “I know once I get back out there, I’ll be blessed with a healthy season and show people I’m still the best in the league.”

The Saints didn’t sign Peterson until late April of last year, and as Pelissero notes (video link), he’s back to his high-intensity workout regimen in hopes for a mid-offseason signing somewhere this year. He’s been training in his native Houston and said in March he would like to join the Texans. While a suitor is unknown at this point, Peterson appears intent on showing he’s still worth a roster spot.