By Harvey Hoffman
The Redskins have made it official:
They are bringing back running back Adrian Peterson for the 2020 season.
The 35-year-old running back was a team captain last year and teammates have raved about his leadership. He has also been productive on the field, rushing for 898 yards and five touchdowns last year on 211 attempts.
“Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league,” Redskins coach Ron Rivera said in a statement. “Adrian’s leadership and passion towards the game of football will set an example of what is expected of the players in this program moving forward.”
If Peterson makes the final roster in September, he will carry a $3 million cap hit. Last year, he signed a two-year, $5 million contract, so he’ll be a free agent in 2021.
Peterson now has the chance to keep breaking various rushing records. He is eighth all-time in rushing attempts (3,036), fifth in rushing yards (14,216) and fourth in rushing touchdowns. He needs 1,054 yards to move past Barry Sanders for fourth place and 13 touchdowns to pass Marcus Allen for third in rushing touchdowns.
Next season will be Peterson’s 14th in the NFL. In 2019, he appeared in 15 games — missing only the opener because former coach Jay Gruden made him a healthy scratch.
Peterson’s presence is also vital for the Redskins given 2018 second-rounder Derrius Guice’s injury history.
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