The Detroit Lions are adding one of the best running backs in NFL history, reaching an agreement with free agent Adrian Peterson Sunday morning. The pending deal was confirmed by the player’s agent.
A 13-year NFL veteran, Peterson has rushed for 14,216 yards during his career. That ranks fifth all-time, one spot and 1,053 yards behind Lions Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.
The move will reunite Peterson, 35, with Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who served in the same role for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2010. In four years with Bevell, Peteson averaged 1,446 rushing yards and 1,738 yards from scrimmage, while scoring more than 13 touchdowns per season.
Most recently, Peterson was with the Washington Football Team. He rushed for 898 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and scored five touchdowns last season. He was was released Friday, ahead of Saturday’s cut day, as the franchise committed to its youth movement.
Prior to a corresponding roster move, Peterson joins a young backfield in Detroit headed by Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift and complemented by Ty Johnson and Bo Scarbrough.
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