Redskins exploring the possibility of retaining RB Adrian Peterson

One of the Redskins best, and oldest, players in 2018 might be coming back to defy age all over again.

The Washington Redskins were handed a crushing blow before the start of the 2018 regular season, when second-round rookie and early fan favorite Derrius Guice went down with an ACL injury. Guice’s ailment sent the Redskins offensive plans into what seemed to be a doomed spiral. Then Washington signed Adrian Peterson.

The signing of Peterson was met with swift criticism from many, including yours truly. But Peterson defied the doubters in 2018, proving to be the closest thing the Redskins had to offensive consistency.

At 33 years old, Peterson played in all sixteen games for the Redskins, completing the eighth 1,000-yard season of his Hall of Fame-caliber NFL Career. Peterson ran for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns on 251 carries, while also adding 208 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. In Guice’s absence, Peterson provided a different kind of spark; less flashy and more rugged, but exceptional, nonetheless.

Now, per NFL Trade Rumors, the Washington Redskins have their sights set on rewarding Peterson for his unexpected season, and locking him down for at least another year as Derrius Guice’s mentor. According to the article, ESPN’s John Keim reported that the Redskins are in preliminary talks with Peterson, to keep him around for 2019.

Peterson has openly expressed his desire to continue playing in the NFL, despite nearing 34 years of age. This past season, Peterson surpassed 100 career rushing touchdowns, while passing Jim Brown, Tony Dorsett, and Eric Dickerson en route to the eighth all-time rushing yardage slot. With even another modest season, Peterson is in range of top five all-time in rushing yards, and he needs just one rushing touchdown to claim the fifth spot outright from Jim Brown.

But for Peterson, it’s not just about the records. The former Vikings standout has experienced a career rejuvenation in D.C., and with Derrius Guice set to return in 2019, Peterson has a role waiting for him as a rotational back who can help groom a potential successor to his stardom. It’s a role only Peterson can fulfill, and a role the Redskins are willing to give him.