Peterson agrees to deal with Saints
The New Orleans Saints and free-agent running back Adrian Peterson have agreed on a twoyear contract.
The deal means Peterson, a 10-year veteran who has posted seven 1,000-yard seasons with Minnesota and once eclipsed 2,000 yards, could become a backup running back on an offense that tends to pass more than run.
Still, New Orleans head coach Sean Payton said Tuesday that he envisions a productive role for Peterson, who is coming back from a 2016 meniscus tear that required season-ending knee surgery after only three games.
“It’s rare and unique to have the opportunity to add a (potential) Hall of Fame player to your roster,” Payton said in a statement. “His career has been topnotch. We think he will be an excellent fit in our locker room and in our offense.”
“It goes without saying that the Saints are really solid behind Drew Brees. I feel like my skill set can make them even more dominant” offensively, Peterson said. “They have a great offensive line, which is something that stood out to me as well.”
Peterson, 32, has spent his entire NFL career with the Vikings. He missed all but one game in 2014 because of a child-abuse case in which he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless assault of his son, then 4 years old.
He played just three games last season, but he had 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing in 2015. He joins a backfield led by Mark Ingram, who is coming off one of his best seasons
Players reinstated: The NFL conditionally has reinstated Pittsburgh wide receiver Martavis Bryant from his yearlong suspension for a second violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy, as well as Arizona linebacker Daryl Washington three years after he was suspended for multiple violations of the policy.
The league said both Bryant and Washington may work out at their teams’ facilities and participate in meetings.
It said Bryant will not be cleared for all preseason activities, including practices and games, until the league has confirmed he has found “clinical resources” in Pittsburgh.
The league said Washington, a second-team All-Pro in 2012, may rejoin the Cardinals, but the team said its “energy and attention is fully focused” on this week’s draft and that it was premature to discuss Washington’s potential return.
Titans pick up Lewan’s option: Tennessee exercised the fifthyear option on left tackle Taylor Lewan. The 11th overall draft pick in 2014, Lewan helped anchor a much-improved offensive line last year.