Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson walks from the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Reuters/ Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Future NFL Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson has finally found a new home with the New Orleans Saints. Both sides made it official, agreeing to a two-year deal. The pact is actually a one-year deal with the second year carrying a player option.

Adrian Peterson will be paid US$7 million (AU$9.28 million) in the first year, including US$3.5 million (AU$4.64 million) guaranteed in 2017. The 32-year-old running back could earn as much as US$8.25 million (AU$10.9 million) if the other escalators and incentives are factored in, according to NFL.com.

Adrian Peterson did his homework

Adrian Peterson also visited the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks but opted to sign up with the Saints. He apparently did his homework, considering the scenarios for each team. In the end, Peterson believed that he best fits in with the Saints, particularly because of Drew Brees, ESPN reported.

He singled out the solid play of Brees, believing that his entry will all the more make New Orleans formidable. Adrian Peterson added that he also discussed things with his wife and family, the decision of which was to support the running back’s move to the Saints.

Aside from that, Adrian Peterson also had his time with Saints coach Sean Payton. It seems he has convinced him of the rare opportunity which would likely include taking over from Tim Hightower on early-down runs. He will play alongside Mark Ingram who is coming off the best season of his career.

Peterson needs to adjust and learn fast

While most are aware of the top-notch play Adrian Peterson is capable of delivering, he is expected to undergo a period of adjustment. That includes improvements in his ability to be a passer and receiver since the Saints have been known to employ a “pass-happy, shotgun-heavy offense.”

Peterson should start working on that when spring training comes, expected to be motivated by his plight during free agency. He was among the top names who were given the cold shoulder. Other names who have yet to hook up include Colin Kaepernick and Jay Cutler.

In Adrian Peterson, Payton and the Saints will be banking on his veteran prowess. He is a former NFL MPV and ranks 16th in NFL history with 11,747 rushing yards.

The Minnesota Vikings decided not to pick up Adrian Peterson’s US$18 million (AU$23.8 million) option, most likely because of his age and the fact that he is coming off an ACL injury. He gets the chance show up his former team when the Saints visit the Vikings in Week 1 of ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheader on Sept. 11.

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