Four available free agents that the Arizona Cardinals should target
By Thomas Clark
Running Back Adrian Peterson
Even though I am incredibly high on the Cardinals’ rookie running back Chase Edmunds, and believe the Cardinals may have one of the most rugged backfields in the NFL, bringing in a veteran may not be a bad idea.
A veteran with familiarity with the team? Even better.
At 33 years old, Adrian Peterson is not the same running back that he used to be, yet Peterson can still fill a role. Even at an advanced age, Peterson accumulated over five hundred yards rushing last season. In his time spent with Arizona, Peterson averaged a respectable 3.5 yards per carry, and proved that he could still be a serviceable option in the backfield.
With star running back David Johnson set to return from injury, Peterson could serve as a perfect compliment. I love Edmunds’ physicality and toughness as a runner, but asking a player from the FCS level to immediately step in as the team’s number two option running the ball may be a lot to ask.
Peterson could enter the Cardinals’ backfield as a veteran mentor for Edmunds, and could play a key role if Johnson suffers an injury or Edmunds proves unready for the professional game.
In Arizona, Peterson would find a team with an innovative offensive coordinator in Mike McCoy, but more importantly he would find familiarity.
Peterson’s time as a Cardinal was brief, but he would join a number of his 2017 teammates, in the 2018 season. Peterson also has familiarity with quarterback Sam Bradford, as he played with him briefly in Minnesota prior to Peterson’s meniscus tear in the fourth game of the 2016 season.
Again, Peterson is not the running back he used to be, but Arizona doesn’t need him to be. If the Cardinals bring in Peterson, it would be as a backup and mentor. Without a doubt in my mind, Peterson could fill that role nicely.