What Adrian Peterson Brings To the Saints Franchise

Well, well, well. 

Adrian Peterson has finally signed onto an NFL team, reaching a 2 year, $7M incentive loaded contract with the New Orleans Saints. The four time First Team All-Pro running back chose the Saints because it "Felt right within my spirit," adding that his "Wife and family added their confirmation with the same feelings."

At 32 years old and with 10 NFL seasons notched in his belt, Peterson is not exactly at the fountain of youth entering the next part of his career. He currently is the all-time active rushing leader, putting together 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns over his 123 game career. Last season, he played in exactly 3 games and managed to collect 72 rushing yards before being knocked out of the season with a torn meniscus, and averaged 1.9 yards per carry. In otherwords, Peterson doesn't look like a feature back anymore. 

So, what does Adrian Peterson bring to Sean Payton and the Saints Franchise?

Let's face it. Peterson's name is legendary. He was the season MVP in 2012, in which he ran for 2097 yards that season. He has six 200 yard rushing games, including what was the NFL record 296 in his rookie season. He's been to seven Pro Bowls. He has 3 rushing titles. To add such a legendary player to the Saints offense will be dynomite in the box office. They're pairing Peterson up with five time 5000 yard passer Drew Brees. What more could you possibly want as a fan?

Peterson brings depth to the running back position. The Saints only have Mark Ingram as a household name in New Orleans. Behind him is Travaris Cadet, Daniel Lasco and Marcus Murphy. Adding Peterson gives New Orleans a brash one-two punch style to the run attack, gives New Orleans a real threat when lining up two running backs, and gives Drew Brees more of a backbone to his offense. It's really a smart addition to the roster even from a 'let's open the playbook strategy' standpoint. 

Peterson brings leadership to a team that needs more offensive leaders. When you think of the Leader of the Saints, often times you think of Brees surrounded by his teammates before a game firing up both the offense and the defense. Peterson isn't the charasmatic type of leader Brees tends to be, but he is certainly a veteran presence that offers a lot of help to his younger teammates. He served as a leader on the sideline after his injury last season, and was the offensive leader in Minnesota.

Sure, Adrian Peterson isn't a guarantee when you are a team looking for production. He may not even be able to bounce back from his injury last season due to his age. Seriously, though, who is a guarantee in Free Agency? Peterson is an exciting name in the NFL world, always will be, and is definitely a boost to this team in more ways then one... Even if we don't see him producing stats on the field.