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Updated: The team makes it official
We have released RB Adrian Peterson.
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 4, 2020
Thank you for everything, @AdrianPeterson. pic.twitter.com/nWQMa7kYxE
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 4, 2020
Initial Report:
Twitter exploded a short time ago with sourced/confirmed reports that the Washington Football Team released Adrian Peterson. The initial report was from NFL Network.
A surprise: The Washington Football Team is releasing legendary RB Adrian Peterson, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 4, 2020
While some people had predicted that Peterson would be released, they seem to have been a small minority. Most people had Adrian Peterson slated to be the Week 1 starter for the team — especially after Derrius Guice was released following domestic violence allegations.
With respect to what we’ve heard about Scott Turner’s offense, Adrian Peterson wasn’t perhaps the best fit, but his veteran leadership and productivity over the past two years in Washington seemed like exactly what Ron Rivera is looking for as he seeks to embed his culture in DC.
With the release, the team creates about $2.4m in extra cap space.
The remaining running backs on the roster (for the moment) are Antonio Gibson, Bryce Love, Peyton Barber and J.D. McKissic.
This kicks off what is likely to be a busy two days of roster news for the Football Team.
Why release Adrian today? The team wanted to give him an opportunity to find another team to continue his legacy should he want AND he deserved to have his own day. Not to be part of Saturday’s cut down day when the team goes to 53. @WashingtonNFL #AD
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) September 4, 2020
AP was good for the locker room. Other players constantly talked about what they learned from him and his willingness to help. Considered him an approachable legend. Curious what's next for him.
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 4, 2020
Adrian has been a huge asset for this team. Coach Rivera told him this morning. He handled it like you’d expect, as a pro. https://t.co/OjlhzMGisO
— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) September 4, 2020
Adrian Peterson over two seasons w/ @WashingtonNFL was productive, durable & a leader. A true bright spot during a messed-up time. Not bad for a low-cost August 2018 signing that came off being brought in for a workout by Doug Williams & Eric Schaffer unbeknownst to Dan & Bruce.
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) September 4, 2020
Adrian Peterson was just informed of the team's decision to move on, per source.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 4, 2020
He intends to keep playing.
Two weeks ago he said he hoped to stay in Washington for a couple years, maybe even five. pic.twitter.com/Ai5CeReJry
Ron has been steadfast in his desire to build a sustainable winner and find a core of guys who can help him do that. At 35, it was going to be hard for Peterson to be a part of it. But I thought he'd be there to help Ron get things off the ground. But nope. Going young at RB
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) September 4, 2020
With lack of weapons at TE and WR, offense has to create as much confusion as possible pre-snap with personnel, motions and formations. Peterson takes away from that because he’s not the receiving threat like the others.
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 4, 2020