Risk Versus Reward: Signing Running Back Adrian Peterson

With the real possibility of former Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson signing with the New Orleans Saints, Who Dat Dish takes a look at the risk versus reward in signing the running back.

It’s been obvious, if the Saints were to strike a deal with Adrian Peterson, it would bring a large reaction from the Who Dat Nation both good and bad.

If the Saints were to sign Adrian Peterson, let’s get one thing straight folks. Peterson would NOT be the starting back. That role currently belongs to Mark Ingram. This can’t be stressed enough. If Adrian Peterson were to sign with New Orleans, he would only be filling the hole Tim Hightower left.

The Risks Of Signing Adrian Peterson: 

Arguably, there are three important risks, as far as deciding whether any team signs the running back. The three are: money, health, and age.

Regarding Peterson’s age, the former Viking turned 32 in March. As athletes get older, it brings up the question, when does retirement come into play? In addition, the decision to step down is not an easy one. Now investigating Peterson’s career, he’s been successful. From 2007 to 2016, Peterson has accumulated 11,747 rushing yards through 2,418 attempts. In his career, Peterson has had seven seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards.

Everyone who knows football realizes Adrian Peterson has the talent and ability, but will father time be knocking on this Hall Of Fame running back’s door anytime soon?

Of course, health, and money brings up a dilemma. Are the Saints willing to pay someone who is seeking a large payment who is nearing the end of his career?

The Rewards Of Signing Adrian Peterson:

The Saints were very effective last year in utilizing two main dominant running backs in their schemes. Running backs Mark Ingram and former Saint Tim Hightower, who unfortunately signed with the San Francisco 49ers created dual success in the Saints running game. To those who want to read about Hightower leaving New Orleans, my fellow writer Roy Anderson covered it here. 

The 1-2 punch was dynamic to say the least. Moreover, acquiring Adrian Peterson would absolutely benefit the Saints offense, if Peterson has anything left to give. In a sense, the Saints would essentially regain the teams’ 1-2 punch with an upgrade!

From an optimistic standpoint, the rewards are endless. The Saints would be getting a quality veteran with the presence to keep opponents fearing and guessing. Furthermore, the knowledge and play-making ability would surely thrive in a Sean Payton led system. The presence of Peterson would not only provide another weapon on the field for Drew Brees but would be another weapon teams would have to be aware of.

If it were my choice, I’d pull the trigger for the right price. As a whole, this move could mean wonders for the Saints.

What do you think Saints fans? Should New Orleans take the risk and sign Adrian Peterson?