Adrian Peterson is signing with the Detroit Lions, he told NFL reporter Josina Anderson on Sunday.
Peterson is signing a one-year, $1,050,000 contract that includes incentives, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“They’re giving me an opportunity to play,” Peterson told Anderson. “I know [offensive coordinator] coach [Darell] Bevell from my days in Minnesota. Ultimately I feel comfortable going there and helping them to get better.”
Peterson was released by Washington on Friday after leading the team in rushing over the past two years with 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns.
After his release, he told ESPN’s John Keim that he was surprised by the move and “without a doubt” wanted to continue playing.
The 35-year-old Peterson has rushed for 14,216 career yards, trailing Barry Sanders by 1,053 yards for fourth place on the NFL’s all-time list. Peterson ranks fourth with 111 rushing touchdowns.
Peterson told Keim on Friday that, based on what he showed in training camp, he can still contribute.
“We’ll see what happens. … Every new chapter is a blessing,” Peterson said. “Whatever comes next, I’ll be blessed to attack it. I can’t be down on myself. I know it wasn’t because of my ability or inabilities to do something. It came down to those guys making their decision.”
