Oakland Raiders: A few free agent running backs who might be able to help
By Kevin Saito
We know Gruden loves his veteran players. He’s certainly brought enough of them in this offseason. And of the free agent running backs out there, Peterson may be the most veteran one of the bunch.
He’s also the one with the best pedigree of the free agent crop of backs.
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A four-time All Pro, one time league MVP, and a seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson has rushed for more than 12,000 yards and 99 touchdowns in his twelve-year career. A career the man known as “All Day” insists isn’t done yet.
2017 wasn’t a good year for Peterson, appearing in just 10 games between two teams – New Orleans and Arizona. He was just never a good fit in the crowded backfield the Saints have, and let’s face it, he was never going to get more touches than Mark Ingram and Offensive Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara.
After being traded to Arizona, Peterson showed that he’s still got a little something left in the tank. In his first action as a Cardinal, Peterson carried 26 times for 134 yards and two scores. In his third game, he rushed for 159 yards on 37 carries.
Peterson missed the games in weeks 13 and 14 with a neck injury, and was placed on IR midway through December. But, over the six games he played with Arizona (one start), he recorded 448 rushing yards on 129 carries. He also chipped in with 66 yards on nine receptions.
Peterson is obviously in the twilight of his career, but perhaps, in a secondary, more complementary role to Lynch in Oakland’s backfield, he could still provide a little bit of pop before he rides off into the sunset.