Geauxing West: Adrian Peterson traded to Arizona
The New Orleans Saints have traded running back Adrian Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a conditional draft pick. You could say the move comes as a bit of a surprise as Peterson just joined the Saints prior to the season. However, the signing had quickly proven to be a disaster for Peterson and the Saints as he just didn’t fit within their offense and was spending more time on the sidelines than on the field. Once Peterson was seen demanding the ball from Sean Payton in Week One, the writing was really on the wall for this to be a short-term marriage. Remember, the Saints have very little patience for players who complain about playing time, just ask Brandin Cooks. The trade is very much a short-term fix for the Cardinals but it affects several players and their subsequent values in dynasty leagues. Let’s take a look at all those who have seen a change in their value as a result of this move.
Adrian Peterson, RB ARI
Over his amazing 11-year career, Peterson has rushed for 11,828 yards and 97 touchdowns, becoming one of the greatest players in the history of dynasty leagues. The problem is we haven’t really seen the same player since 2015 when he ran for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns for Minnesota. This year was a total disaster as Peterson was only able to carry the ball 27 times for 81 yards with no touchdowns in New Orleans. Simply put, Peterson is a power runner who found himself in a scheme he just didn’t fit within. Alvin Kamara has emerged and has proven to be the passing down back the Saints have been looking for since Reggie Bush. In addition, Mark Ingram really looks like he has more juice in the tank than the aging Peterson and the Saints recognized they were just fine with those two players. More on them later.
In Arizona, Peterson could conceivably jump start a running game that’s been sputtering since the loss of David Johnson, who may or may not be back this season. Peterson should be the primary early down back sooner, rather than later in the desert. Expectations should be tempered with Peterson as it’s highly unlikely he becomes a one-man show in Arizona, but this moves breathes a little bit of life into his dynasty value as he was being released in many leagues. He’s certainly worthy of a roster spot now and if he can rekindle some magic, he could be a target for contending teams as they look for a cheap veteran to put them over the top this season. While his value is certainly higher, I wouldn’t exactly sell the farm here, though. Remember, Peterson is 32 years old and has logged 64 carries for a total of 153 yards (an average of 2.4 yards per carry) over the past two seasons combined. His ADP may tick upwards but I honestly think it was a bit inflated already. He could very well be on the verge of his career ending and while this is moderately exciting, I really think the name is bigger than the game at this point.
Chris Johnson, RB FA
It turns out the Cardinals won’t boast a running game with two former 2,000 yard rushers as CJ2K was released to make room for Peterson. Johnson was brought back once David Johnson was injured and the results were as expected since it’s easy to see he just doesn’t have the same explosion he once had. On the year, Johnson had just 114 yards on 45 carries. He’s been subsequently released by the Cardinals and it’s tough to see him getting a job later this season after averaging an anemic 2.5 yards per carry this season and playing in only 19 total games over the past three seasons. Peterson’s career could be coming to a close but Johnson’s may have just ended.
David Johnson, RB ARI
In case you’re wondering, this move really does nothing to the value of David Johnson. Peterson could conceivably re-emerge as a decent runner in fantasy and reality as a short-term rental, but this is Johnson’s show when he returns and he’ll be a three-down player as soon as he’s healthy.
Andre Ellington, RB ARI
Ellington is much more suited to be a third down back and that’s exactly what he’ll be moving forward. His value really shouldn’t change much with Peterson in tow as Adrian really provides little in the passing game. Ellington has twice as many catches as rushing attempts this year and he won’t be pressed to change course too much as a result of Peterson coming to town.
Kerwynn Williams, RB ARI
Williams had a bit of a chance to establish himself as a short-term option to replace David Johnson but flopped as a result, gaining just 32 yards on 19 attempts (1.7 yards per carry) this season. There’s really little reason to keep him around unless you believe Peterson will truly flop and give him yet another chance. Just keep in mind the Cardinals would have never traded for Peterson if they thought Williams was a realistic option on early downs.
Mark Ingram, RB NO
Ingram established himself as the early down runner for the Saints and they really haven’t looked back. Having the threat of Peterson out of the way certainly should ease the mind of his owners, though his production likely won’t change much since Peterson was riding the bench anyway. Ingram has sneaky value in dynasty leagues at the moment.
Alvin Kamara, RB NO
Kamara has looked special on occassion already in his young career and has proven to be the passing game back the Saints have been looking for. While he’s likely going to be in a platoon for most (if not all) of his career in New Orleans, his PPR value is enormous as long as Drew Brees is slinging the football. Having one less mouth to feed is only going to help him moving forward.
Adrian Peterson is on the move again and his owners have to hope this trade yields a bit more success for him. As a pillar of dynasty leagues for so many years, it sure would be great to see him end his career on a higher note.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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