Free agent running back Adrian Peterson is expressing interest in joining the Houston Texans. Peterson spent last season with both the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals. The Palestine native has publicly mentioned his desire to return to his home state of Texas.
As mentioned above, Peterson was with both the Saints and Cardinals last season. His performance was noticeably better in Arizona compared to New Orleans. This is due to the fact New Orleans features their running backs prominently in the passing game which is not one of Peterson’s strengths. Arizona uses David Johnson in that manner when he is healthy but he missed the majority of the season due to injury. Arizona was wise to focus on Peterson’s running ability rather than his pass catching ability. Peterson rushed for 448 yards in six games for the Cardinals last season compared to 81 in four games for the Saints.
Peterson is one of the most prolific running backs in NFL history. Rushing for 12,276 yards and 99 touchdowns in his 12-year career. There are a lot of miles on Peterson which could limit interest from potential suitors. It is quite obvious he is no longer the three down back he once was. His age and rash of injuries have made that abundantly clear. The team that Peterson signs with will need a solid group of running backs with Peterson in a complimentary role.
The Texans currently have two capable running backs on their roster in Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman. Foreman is recovering from a season-ending injury and Miller has not entirely lived up to his contract. While it is possible that Miller could be on his way out in Houston, nothing concrete has surfaced as of yet. Even if Miller were to leave it creates a hole that Peterson would not be able to fill. Miller is the pass catching running back of the group and it is mentioned earlier that this is not a strength of Peterson. Signing Peterson to replace Miller does not work, in fact it creates more issues offensively for the Texans.
Nothing has surfaced from the Texans to show their interest (if any) in Peterson. While it makes sense for Peterson, it does not make sense for the Texans. Peterson’s role would be small and it would be best to pursue other options. Once upon a time Peterson in a Texans uniform would have been fun. However that time has long passed.