Future first ballot Hall of Famer running back Adrian Peterson has signed with the Washington Redskins according to a report from NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo.
Washington has seen the backfield depth decimated in recent weeks and held a workout early on Monday for Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles and Orleans Darkwa. Washington likely chose Peterson because despite his decline he is the most likely of the three to intimidate opposing defenses and keep them honest while also possessing the ability to carry a full workload next to Chris Thompson if necessary.
Washington has seen prized rookie Derrius Guice lost for the season and saw the unavailable list pile up with injuries to fellow running backs Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall.
This is a solid move for Washington as it gives their backfield some legitimacy aside from receiving back Chris Thompson who is not someone who has the build to carry a full load and may not be fully healthy until November. While it is highly unlikely Peterson regains the form of his glory days he should be able to keep the chains moving and gives Washington a solid option with Rob Kelly and Samaje Perine proving they are not feature back material.
Fantasy Context:
Adrian Peterson – This news puts Adrian Peterson on the RB3 radar as an upside option who can produce at varying ends of the spectrum. One on end he can and will have some RB1 weeks with some RB2 showings sprinkled in; on the other end he will have some bench depth/bye week filler only weeks making him a truly volatile option, especially when Chris Thompson is expected to play on most passing downs in turn telegraphing what Washington may be looking to run based on personnel. Peterson is a solid best ball play and late round target but don’t go overboard and reach based on his name.
Samaje Perine – This tanks what little fantasy value Perine possessed as he is now likely no better than third on the depth chart behind Adrian Peterson and Robert Kelly; we could even call it fourth if we count receiving back Chris Thompson. Leave Perine on the wire save for final rounds of best ball formats.
Robert Kelly – Kelly was always going to have a tough time trying to volume his way to fantasy value with his projected lack of involvement in the passing game and replacement value skills as a runner so this is not a big hit to his fantasy outlook. Kelly is still a best ball play but should probably be left on the wire unless you are in a 16 plus team league or are struggling for name recognition in the late rounds of your best ball drafts. Kelly is however someone to add to your watchlist immediately however he should not be a high value FAAB bid if AP is injured or released.
Chris Thompson – This addition has little impact to Thompson’s upside as his value is still higher than it was when Derrius Guice was healthy.
