AP To the Saints!

The Saints have come to a deal with future Hall-of-Famer running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson currently leads the NFL in rushing yards with 11,000+ yards and is first in the NFL with 98 rushing touchdowns. So what dose this do for the Saints in 2017? Ever since the end of the season, I have been saying that the Saints need a Red Zone threat. Last season the Saints lost 7 games by 7 or less points. Drew Brees threw for over 5,000+ yards between the 20 yard lines, but when the Saints got into the red zone, the drives would fizzle. 

Is AP a washed up veteran? Has he had too many injuries to actually come in to the Saints and help them? Since AP was drafted, he has proved people wrong and his drive is what has made him the legend that he has become. I think he still has gas in the tank is looking for the opportunity to prove that. He could easily have a breakout season in 2017, but he could also end up like James Laurinaitis, Jarius Bryd, and a whole list of others.

Mark Ingram is coming off his best season since being drafted in the first round with a 1,000 yard season. However, I do not think he should be getting a high five for doing what was expected five seasons ago. That is why bringing in a back like AP will either make Ingram compete to be better or show his lack of competitiveness.

Adrian Peterson signed a two year deal worth 7 million with 3.5 million guaranteed. He is set to earn most of his two year deal in 2017 so basically this is a one year deal to give the Saints the option in 2018 to resign him or not. Peterson stated earlier in the free agent process that he wanted to play for a championship bound team. The Saints are a red zone threat away from returning to the playoffs. Like I said earlier, one touchdown away in seven games was the difference from a 14-2 season with their current defense!

So what does this do for the draft process? I now think by signing AP, the Saints could make the push for trading for CB Butler from the Patriots with possible trading their 2nd round pick and a late round pick then drafting a pass rusher with he 11th pick. Personally I would like the Saints to  draft TJ Watt with their second first round pick. They may need to move up if he is still available at 25. They need OL in the third round depth and try to find someone to take over the right tackle.