As NFL teams trim down their rosters with Week 1 of the regular season now less than a week away, the Washington Football Team has decided to move on from one of the best running backs the league has ever seen. Washington announced via their Twitter account Friday morning that they have released back veteran Adrian Peterson. Peterson had been with Washington for the past two seasons.
We have released RB Adrian Peterson.
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 4, 2020
Thank you for everything, @AdrianPeterson. pic.twitter.com/nWQMa7kYxE
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 4, 2020
In a surprising move that leaves Washington’s already inexperienced backfield without a veteran leader, Peterson will now look for a new home heading into his 14th season as a pro. Peterson has already surpassed expectations when it comes to longevity for a running back and, at 35-years-old, he may struggle to find a team willing to take a flyer on him.
However if the past two seasons have proved anything, Peterson still has plenty left in the tank. Peterson served as the starter for Washington and was one of the only productive members of their offense over the past couple of seasons.
Washington likely moved on from Peterson to free up extra opportunities for a few of their younger ball-carriers such as Bryce Love and third-round pick Antonio Gibson. Of course, they also lost Derrius Guice earlier this offseason when he turned himself in to authorities on domestic assault charges.
For Peterson, this could be the end of the road if he fails to find a new team within the coming week. Peterson could opt to join Minnesota to retire as a Viking or perhaps a running back-needy team such as the Patriots could take a chance on him ahead of Week 1 next Sunday.
