Report: Adrian Peterson Signs With Saints

Photo courtesy of vikings.com

The Adrian Peterson saga has officially come to an end.

Or is it just beginning?

The former Minnesota Vikings star has officially signed a two-year, $7 million contract (with an option on the second year) with the New Orleans Saints, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.

It’s a bit of an odd situation for Peterson, who joins a New Orleans offense that relies heavily on the arm of Drew Brees. Plus, new teammate Mark Ingram plays with a similar style to Peterson as a two-down and short-yardage back. Head coach Sean Payton may have a difficult time finding a role for Peterson.

Coincidentally (or maybe not so coincidentally), the Vikings are scheduled to host the Saints for a Monday Night showdown to open the 2017 season. Peterson will open the season at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Peterson was the face of the Vikings franchise for nearly a decade after he was selected seventh overall by Minnesota in the 2007 NFL Draft. As a Viking, he accumulated 11,747 rushing yards on 2,418 carries and scored 102 total touchdowns (five receiving).

He is a three-time rushing champion (2008, 2012, 2015) and was named NFL MVP in 2012, just one year to the day after he had surgery to reconstruct his shredded knee that included a torn ACL. The Vikings made the playoffs in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2015

The Vikings made the playoffs in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2015 largely because of Peterson’s dominance carrying the rock. Specifically in 2008 and 2012, Peterson carried offenses that had no business competing in the playoffs. His efficiency on the ground simply couldn’t be stopped, regardless of how many players the opposing defense lined up in the box.

The all-time leading rusher in franchise history has achieved countless milestones in Minnesota. But many fans will remember him not for his on-field success, but for his controversial off-field incidents, costly fumbles in the playoffs and his egotistical behavior.

When Peterson returns to an excruciatingly booming atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 11, both sides of the spectrum will clash on national television. Will Peterson be welcomed back to Minnesota with warm cheers and fond memories of his greatness? Or will the crowd see his downfalls first, and boos flood U.S. Bank Stadium?

Regardless, one of the best Minnesota Vikings to ever suit up has officially ended his career in purple and gold.

 

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