Chicago Bears: Bargain free agent running backs to consider
By Ryan Heckman
Adrian Peterson
Before anyone freaks out, I’m going to get this out of the way: By no means is Adrian Peterson going to replace Howard. As I’ve tweeted recently, Peterson wouldn’t be that guy. If anything, Peterson would upgrade the depth and replace guys like Benny Cunningham or Taquan Mizzell.
For those tracking, there was a report just the other day which linked Peterson to the Bears due to his history with former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress. The Bears have Childress on staff as a consultant.
Tracking Adrian Peterson’s situation, if he doesn’t stay in Washington, I would mark the #Bears as a potential team to watch. Depending on what happens with Jordan Howard and the RB market, of course. Brad Childress is close with Matt Nagy. A thought for down the line, anyway...
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2019
The Adrian Peterson of old would sound wonderful, except the biggest problem with his game would still remain: He can’t catch the football. When he does catch the football, it’s almost as if he doesn’t really know what to do following the catch. Ask him to run between the tackles, and he’s been a natural for his entire career.
If you’re telling me the Bears are going to part with Howard to sign a 34-year-old Peterson in his place, you are out of your mind. But, if Peterson comes to the Bears as added depth behind two other backs, that makes a bit more sense. The problem with Peterson is, though, he likely still sees himself as a no. 1 or no. 2 back in this league and will probably retire when it’s apparent he is not.