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Adrian Peterson

Veteran among early cuts

You can't fight Father Time forever. The early cuts are rolling in, and the biggest name is a future Hall of Famer expected to at least open as a starter. Washington axed Adrian Peterson today.

It's a surprise, considering Peterson was a credible running back even last year, at age 34. Only 16 running backs had more rushing yards than he did. But it's also clear what a dinosaur he is at this point. Of the top 35 rushers a year ago, Peterson is one of only seven who's been in the league more than 5 seasons. (Those players bolded in the table below.) Only five of those players are currently on rosters (the rebuilding Jets, humorously, have two of them), and only two will be 2020 starters.

2019 LEADING RUSHERS
PlayerExpAgeAttYdsTD
Derrick Henry, Ten.425303154016
Nick Chubb, Cle.22429814948
Christian McCaffrey, Car.323287138715
Ezekiel Elliott, Dall.424301135712
Chris Carson, Sea.32527812307
Leonard Fournette, Jac.32426511523
Josh Jacobs, Oak.12124211507
Joe Mixon, Cin.32327811375
Dalvin Cook, Min.324250113513
Marlon Mack, Ind.32324710918
Aaron Jones, G.B.325236108416
Carlos Hyde, Hou.62924510706
Mark Ingram, Balt.930202101810
Phillip Lindsay, Den.22522410117
Saquon Barkley, NYG22221710036
Sony Michel, N.E.2242479127
Adrian Peterson, Was.13342118985
David Montgomery, Chi.1222428896
Todd Gurley, LAR52522385712
Miles Sanders, Phil.1221798183
Kenyan Drake, 2TM4251708178
Alvin Kamara, N.O.3241717975
LeVeon Bell, NYJ7272457893
Devin Singletary, Buff.1221517752
Raheem Mostert, S.F.5271377728
Ronald Jones, T.B.2221727246
Gus Edwards, Balt.2241337112
Devonta Freeman, Atl.6271846562
Latavius Murray, N.O.8291466375
Matt Breida, S.F.3241236231
Melvin Gordon, LAC5261626128
Frank Gore, Buff.15361665992
Austin Ekeler, LAC3241325573
Tevin Coleman, S.F.5261375446
Jordan Howard, Phil.4251195256

Lean is that Peterson will find a new team at some point, maybe this weekend, or maybe after Week 1 (when veteran salaries aren't guaranteed) or when injuries/illness strike. But it's not a given, either. Devonta Freeman, for example, would seem to have more left in the tank, and he's still looking for work. You'd think he's a little more likely to find a job than Peterson.

Washington is now down to Peyton Barber (who I'd assumed would be cut), Antonio Gibson, Bryce Love and J.D. McKissic at running back. McKissic should be a third-down type; Gibson has been sitting in with both running backs and receivers, so he could have a hybrid role. The main runner, at least initially, figures to be either Barber or Love.

Love, the second-year back who spent his rookie season on IR after a college knee injury, is the one I'd throw a late-round pick at. He's healthy now and had a strong preseason. Washington is definitely going younger in its backfield.

--Andy Richardson

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