It’s not a secret that the New England Patriots have been one of the teams that has improved the most during free agency.
After winning the Super Bowl last season, the Pats have spent countless hours improving their roster for the 2017 NFL season. They signed Stephon Gilmore on free agency, and traded for Dwayne Allen and Brandin Cooks. As if that wasn’t enough, they still have Malcolm Butler in the roster, and re-signed Dont’a Hightower. The rich definitively got richer. But their work isn’t over, as they could bolster their rushing attack sooner than later.
According to several reports, Adrian Peterson will meet with the Patriots on Monday. He’s 32 years old and not the player he once was, but there’s no question he can still play in the right environment. We all know his flaws, though. Peterson can’t operate out of the shotgun and injuries have slowed him considerably, to the point he only rushed for 72 yards on 37 carries last year. But he also led the NFL in rushing during his last full season. He might be old, but there’s a lot of talent there.
The main question becomes whether he would fit with the Patriots. He might, but in order to do so, then he might have to accept a reduced role. Allow me to explain myself further on this point.
With the exception of LeGarrette Blount – who remains unsigned, by the way – New England needs his runners to become strong receivers as well. Last year, Super Bowl LI hero James White caught 60 passes for 551 yards and five touchdowns last year. Meanwhile Dion Lewis was on pace for 82 receptions in 2015, before suffering a season-ending torn ACL. But Peterson doesn’t thrive receiving or blocking, so he might not be used as a three-down back like he did in Minnesota with the Vikings.
Who says that’s a bad thing, though? Peterson has a lot of mileage, and coming off an injury-plagued season isn’t easy. Peterson would thrive as a power back in New England, and it’s not hard to imagine the Patriots using him on specific scenarios. For example, they might employ the seven-time Pro Bowler exclusively in short-yardage scenarios. If he adjusts to that role, then he could have the chance to thrive on the leading Super Bowl contender. And there’s no question his presence would make the Patriots an even more dangerous team.
It all depends if Peterson agrees to work with White, Lewis, and Rex Burkhead. He’s a low-risk, high-reward option at this point in his career. But who says that’s a bad thing? It’s quite common to see veterans adjusting to new role to increase their chances of getting a ring before they retire.
Let’s face it: Adrian Peterson deserves a ring. He has been one of the best running backs in the NFL for quite a while. And just like Barry Sanders, his career would have an asterisk if he doesn’t get that ring. There’s no question the Patriots represent his best chance to fulfill that goal. Will both parties reach a deal?
We’ll have to wait and see. But don’t be surprised if Peterson becomes the latest member of the Patriots offense in the next few hours.