Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that the Saints and free agent RB Adrian Peterson are believed to be closing in on a deal but cautions that a deal is not done.
- According to Rapoport, Peterson is expected to make a salary of $3.25 million, which is less than what the Saints are paying Mark Ingram. Rapoport adds that New Orleans is being “respectful of Ingram’s role.”
- Jeff Duncan also hears that the Saints and Peterson are closing in on a deal and while nothing is agreed to, both sides are motivated to get it done.
The Saints previously hosted Peterson for a visit a month ago, but there hasn’t been a lot of buzz about him signing until today.
Many assumed that Peterson was going to have to wait until after the draft to sign, considering that this year’s draft class is so deep at running back. However, it appears as though there’s a shot he could be under contract before the draft is underway on Thursday.
Peterson would be an interesting fit in New Orleans, considering that they have Ingram in place as their starting running back. If they do, in fact, sign Peterson, he may have to share a role with Ingram in 2017.
Peterson, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He was entering the final year of his three-year, $44 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed and was set to make a base salary of $11.75 million to go along with a $6 million roster bonus due on March 11.
Peterson is currently testing the open market for the first time in his career.
In 2016, Peterson has rushed for 72 yards on 37 carries (1.9 YPC) to go along with three receptions for eight yards receiving and no touchdowns over the course of three games.
We have him featured in our Top 50 Available Free Agents list.
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