New Orleans Saints NFL Trade and Roster Rumors: Team Not Looking to Trade Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson's tenure with the New Orleans Saints is off to a rough start.
The seven-time Pro Bowler argued with head coach Sean Payton on the sideline during their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings last week, and he complained about his role with the team after the game by telling reporters that he didn't "sign up for nine snaps."
Peterson's clearly not happy with the lack of touches, but he should have known what he was getting into when he joined the Saints. Well, he probably did. New Orleans run a pass-oriented offense and they can't just overhaul their system to accommodate Peterson's style of play. He will have to adjust.
Besides, Mark Ingram was always going to get the lion's share of the touches out of the backfield. They also drafted Alvin Kamara and he's a better fit in the Saints' offensive game plan.
The season has just started, but pundits are already suggesting that the Saints should trade Peterson since he's a terrible fit. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Saints are not interested in trading him right now.
"This doesn't mean the Saints won't wind up listening to offers for the running back closer to the trade deadline, but New Orleans recognizes how effective he can be and that it often takes new players a bit of time to acclimate to an offensive system," Schefter said in his report.
"And so, while there are teams around the league, such as the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants, that could use a running back like Peterson, no deal is on the horizon," he added.
Trading Peterson two games into the season is really not a good idea. Who knows, he may turn out to be a productive member of the team.
In fact, he's already getting more touches. The four-time first-team All-Pro member rushed for 26 yards on eight carries in the Saints' 36–20 loss to the Patriots this past Sunday.
