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Adrian Peterson again mentions Texans but is he a fit?

By James Mastrucci

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Adrian Peterson is still a free agent and is looking to find a home. Peterson has mentioned the Houston Texans as a possible landing spot. But is he a good fit for the Texans?

If this story sounds familiar that is because it is. Peterson made similar comments about the Texans back in March and they were covered in a previous article. At this moment in time Peterson is in a rough spot and must do anything to try and find a home. That includes mentioning teams with hopes to manufacture some interest. In addition to mentioning Houston, Peterson also named Green Bay, Miami, Carolina, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Rams as fits.

Texans
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Adrian Peterson #23 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

This seems more like grasping at straws than anything. Peterson was not signed by a team before the draft and is still unsigned over a month later. As teams progress through their offseason activities the options for Peterson may become even more limited. This is mainly due to Peterson being on the wrong side of 30 and lackluster history of running backs of that age.

Will the Houston Texans sign Adrian Peterson?

Well that does not seem all that likely. Houston still has Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman as their primary backs. Additionally Alfred Blue, Troymaine Pope, Terry Swanson and Lavon Coleman also have roster spots at this moment in time. While Foreman’s status for the start of the season is in question, there are plenty of options to cover his workload if he is absent. If Peterson were to sign in Houston his stay may be rather short. If anything Peterson would be a stopgap solution until Foreman were able to return and at that moment could be released by the Texans.

What about fit in the offense?

Peterson’s struggles in New Orleans last season are well documented. The best situation for Peterson is one where the quarterback hands it off in the “I Formation”. While Watson can perform in this formation he is best used in the pistol or shotgun. Mainly because of his athleticism can allow him to make more plays in space. Also the Texans offensive line is still a question mark and a work in progress. Watson lining up in shotgun gives him more time to evade a pass rush and make a play. This is a luxury not afforded to him by lining up under center. Allowing Watson to have as much time as possible to makes plays is key for the Texans offense. Peterson is not able to as effective in this type of offense and could struggle mightily in this system.

While it is fun to think about Peterson’s glory days and if he can return to that level in Houston, it may best for that to remain just a thought. The Texans should focus on developing their current roster rather than adding aging veteran running backs to their offense.

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