Although Adrian Peterson’s recent words have gotten the media in a tizzy, it’d be silly for the New York Giants to go anywhere near the man.
Signing a running back like Peterson would go against general manager Jerry Reese’s philosophy about the position ever since becoming general manager in 2007.Reese has never signed in a big name running back with a high price tag. Instead, he’s brought in experienced running backs that could fit into the system such as Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen. In the two Super Bowl titles the New York Giants have won under Reese, the Giants did not have a star running back, so acquiring one has never been one of his priorities.
In addition to Reese’s strategy, there are a number of reasons why it does not make since for the Giants to acquire Adrian Peterson. For one, he’ll turn 32 in March, which doesn’t fit into the Giants youth movement. Last season, there were only 10 players on the roster that were 30 years old or older.
Then, there’s the issue of Peterson missing 13 games last season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. A player in his 30s coming off his second major knee injury is too much of a risk for the Giants to take.
On top of all of this, the Giants really like Paul Perkins, who they drafted in the fifth round of last year’s draft. Perkins averaged 4.8 yards per carry in the Giants final three regular season games and are expecting big things from him in 2017.
If this was 2007, Peterson would be a great idea and would instantly make the Giants won of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
But, the reality is this is 2017 and it would serve the Giants best to improve their offensive line rather than acquiring a running back whose best days are behind him.
