Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson (20) intercepts a pass in the first quarter during a Week 16 NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Steelers releasing CB Patrick Peterson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing three-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson, multiple outlets reported Friday.

Peterson signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Steelers last March. The move will save the team nearly $7 million in salary cap space, per ESPN.

Peterson, 33, appeared in 17 games (16 starts) in his only season in Pittsburgh. He had two interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 42 tackles, and he played 97 percent of the defensive snaps.

The fifth overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Cardinals, he played his first 10 seasons in Arizona and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the first eight. He also was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2010s team.

Peterson also played two seasons (2021-22) for the Minnesota Vikings.

In 201 career games (200 starts), Peterson has 36 interceptions for 408 yards and two touchdowns to go with 122 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 652 tackles and four sacks.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson (21) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Peterson: ‘Mentally … haven’t officially hung it up’

Adrian Peterson is ready to take his next handoff should any NFL team offer the 38-year-old the chance in 2023.

Peterson, who didn’t play last season, needs 82 rushing yards to hit 15,000 for his career. He is 351 yards from tying Barry Sanders for fourth place on the all-time rushing list.

“Mentally, I haven’t officially hung it up. We’ll see what happens,” Peterson told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “My mindset is, if God’s willing, maybe an opportunity presents itself, and maybe it happens this season. I’ll go from there. But (if) nothing happens this season, for sure, I will be hanging it up.”

Peterson last played in 2021, appearing in one game with the Seattle Seahawks and three with the Tennessee Titans.

Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson also has played for New Orleans, Arizona, Washington and Detroit. He is a four-time All-Pro and led the NFL in rushing three times.

–Field Level Media

Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) reacts in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

CB Patrick Peterson plans to re-sign with Vikings

Cornerback Patrick Peterson will be back for a second season with the Minnesota Vikings.

The 31-year-old veteran free agent plans to sign a one-year contract with Minnesota, he announced Wednesday on the “All Things Covered” podcast that he co-hosts with former NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden.

Peterson said, “I’m gonna stay put in Minnesota and run it back with the guys. Keep it in the north.”

He added that he also received interest in free agency from the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders.

Peterson added about the Vikings, “I just felt it was right just to be there and grind with those guys and try to all come together for that common goal. The team is stacked.”

According to NFL Network, Peterson’s one-year deal will have a $4 million base value, including a $3.5 million guarantee.

Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowl performer, was an All-Pro in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

Selected in the first round (fifth overall) by the Cardinals in 2011, Peterson spent 10 years in Arizona before signing a one-year, $8 million deal with Minnesota last March.

He played in 13 games in 2021, logging 45 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception, which he returned for a 66-yard touchdown.

In 167 career NFL games (all starts), Peterson has 544 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries and 29 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson (21) returns to the locker room following pregame warmups against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks place RB Adrian Peterson (back) on IR

The Seattle Seahawks placed veteran running back Adrian Peterson on injured reserve on Wednesday due to a lingering back injury.

The 36-year-old Peterson was on Seattle’s practice squad. He appeared in one game for the Seahawks and had 16 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 5.

“His back has not responded the way we had hoped,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said of placing the former star on IR.

Though Peterson’s on-field contributions were meager, Carroll said the seven-time Pro Bowler was a big help to the other Seattle running backs.

One player to emerge was Rashaad Penny, a 2018 first-round pick that has underachieved. But Penny has notched the two-highest rushing totals of his career this month — 137 against the Houston Texans on Dec. 12 and 135 versus the Chicago Bears last Sunday.

“He still influences people strongly with his presence and all of that,” Carroll said of Peterson. “It’s one of the obvious impressions that somebody could make. Coaches, players, everybody, when he jumped out here and when he worked, it was just so complete in his effort and his focus and intention to do the right thing and all, that it just impressed everybody.

“I would think he might have had as much impact on Rashaad as anybody. It does say a tremendous amount about him, his character, his makeup, his stature as a player, but also what he represents as a competitor. He’s the ultimate. It had a big impact.”

Peterson also played in three games with the Tennessee Titans this season and had 82 yards on 27 carries.

Peterson is the fifth-leading rusher in NFL history with 14,918 yards. The 2012 league MVP with the Minnesota Vikings has 126 career touchdowns and is tied with Jim Brown for 10th place on the all-time list.

Seattle also activated defensive tackle Bryan Mone and cornerback D.J. Reed from the COVID-19 list on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson (21) returns to the locker room following pregame warmups against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks RB Adrian Peterson (out) missing game vs. Texans

One week after making his Seattle debut, Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson won’t play in this Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans due to a back injury.

Peterson, 36, isn’t listed on the team’s injury report because he is on the practice squad. Seattle might have elevated him for the game if not for the injury.

“He had a lower back issue that came up, and he felt it a little bit coming into Wednesday, and then on Wednesday he couldn’t go,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Friday. “We’re going to hold him out. We’ve got to take care of him and look after him.”

Peterson had just 16 yards on 11 carries against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday but he did score his 126th career touchdown to tie legendary Jim Brown for 10th place on the all-time list.

Seattle also will be without running back Travis Homer (calf, hamstring). Alex Collins (abdomen) will play after missing the game against the 49ers. Collins has a team-high 395 rushing yards.

Right tackle Brandon Shell (shoulder) and center/guard Kyle Fuller (calf) were also ruled out, while safety Quandre Diggs (calf) is questionable.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  running back Adrian Peterson (8) runs the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Titans waive veteran RB Adrian Peterson

The Tennessee Titans waived running back Adrian Peterson on Tuesday after just three games with the team.

The seven-time Pro Bowler rushed for just 82 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries for the Titans.

Tennessee added Peterson after losing star back Derrick Henry to a foot injury.

NFL Network reported that it is possible Peterson could return to the Titans.

The 36-year-old Peterson spent his first 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He was league MVP in 2012 when he rushed for a career-high 2,097 yards.

Since his departure from the Vikings, Peterson has played with five organizations over five seasons. His best season during that span came when he rushed for 1,042 yards for Washington in 2018.

Overall, Peterson ranks fifth in NFL history with 14,902 rushing yards and fourth with 119 rushing touchdowns.

Among 13 moves announced Tuesday, Tennessee added defensive back Buster Skrine, running back Dontrell Hilliard and outside linebacker John Simon to the active roster.

The Titans placed defensive back Chris Jackson (foot) and receiver Marcus Johnson (hamstring) on injured reserve. Johnson is out for the season.

Also, longtime receiver Golden Tate (695 career catches in 11 seasons) was added to the practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Peterson hoping to play 15th NFL season

Adrian Peterson is ready if he gets a call from a team wanting the 36-year-old to play a 15th NFL season.

Peterson is unsigned with training camp days away after rushing for 604 yards with the Detroit Lions last season.

Fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list with 14,820 yards, Peterson and Frank Gore (16,000) are both without a team but working out to be ready if the chance comes due to injury or otherwise.

“The training is going well and I’m going to control the things that I can control right now, and, when that time comes, somebody will give me a call,” Peterson said on Sports Talk 790 in Houaron. “That’s all I’m asking for. My body feels good. I came out healthy from last season. My body feels strong. I still feel young. I still feel good. I’m ready to play ball.”

Other free agent running backs include Le’Veon Bell and LeSean McCoy.

Peterson stands 450 yards behind Barry Sanders for fourth on the all-time rushing list, which is topped by Emmitt Smith (18,355 ).

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 18-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Adding J.J. Watt might cost Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson

At $15.5 million per year for J.J. Watt, the Arizona Cardinals welcomed one reputable defender at the risk of losing another.

Patrick Peterson, 30, is headed for unrestricted free agency, and the former first-round pick expects to find stronger interest from suitors outside of Arizona. That’s because the Cardinals were left with just under $14 million in salary cap space entering the new league year.

“I know that I will be playing football for someone, if it’s the Cardinals or someone else,” Peterson said in a USA Today Sports interview. “I’m a go-with-the-flow-type guy. That’s out of my control. I’ve done everything I can do to show my worth, and I can still play this game. I know I will be playing football for somebody, so that’s my approach.”

Peterson denied a report he has already agreed to part ways with the team. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said he is hopeful the team can retain Peterson.

However, there is growing sentiment the Cardinals are chasing a No. 1-type receiver to pair with DeAndre Hopkins, which would leave Arizona with precious little cash to offer Peterson.

Peterson played out a five-year, $70.05 million deal that expired at the end of the 2020 season knowing this offseason could be a crossroads in his career. He openly applauded the Watt signing, even knowing the trickle down might mean relocation.

“When you have a guy like that on the market, you have to put it all on the line to risk it and put players on the roster to give you a good chance to win the championship,” he said. “They made a big splash, and we all know if you’re able to get to the quarterback effectively, you have a good opportunity to win.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 6, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) scores a touchdown with Detroit Lions strong safety Duron Harmon (26) defending during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Peterson scores twice as Lions dispatch Bears

Adrian Peterson rushed for two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 1:37 to go, and the Detroit Lions rallied for a 34-30 win over the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon.

Peterson pushed across the goal line for a 5-yard touchdown to lift the Lions to a comeback win. It was the 123rd all-purpose touchdown of his career, pulling him within two of Walter Payton and three of Jim Brown for a spot on the NFL’s top-10 list.

Matthew Stafford completed 27 of 42 passes for 402 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for Detroit (5-7). Interim head coach Darrell Bevell earned a win in his debut as the replacement for fired Matt Patricia.

David Montgomery rushed for two touchdowns for Chicago (5-7), which lost its sixth game in a row. Cordarrelle Patterson had a rushing touchdown, and rookie tight end Cole Kmet had the lone receiving score.

The Bears tried to rally in the final 90 seconds, but Montgomery was stuffed on fourth down at the Lions’ 20-yard line.

A strip-sack by Romeo Okwara gave the Lions’ offense a chance for a go-ahead score. He extended his left arm and forced a fumble by Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, and defensive tackle John Penisini pounced on the ball.

Trubisky completed 26 of 34 throws for 267 yards and one touchdown.

Chicago opened the scoring on its first drive with a 45-yard field goal by Cairo Santos.

The Bears made it 9-0 on their next possession, which ended with Montgomery’s 13-yard score. He fought off a defender and reached across the left pylon for his first rushing touchdown since Oct. 8.

A 3-yard rushing touchdown by Peterson trimmed Detroit’s deficit to 9-6 in the final minute of the first quarter.

The Bears made it 16-6 on Patterson’s 5-yard rushing touchdown with 10:10 left in the second quarter.

Detroit pulled within 16-13 late in the first half when Stafford lobbed a 49-yard touchdown pass to Quintez Cephus down the right sideline. It marked the first career touchdown for Cephus, a rookie wide receiver out of Wisconsin.

Montgomery gave the Bears a 23-13 advantage just before halftime. His 4-yard run marked his second touchdown of the afternoon and his third of the season.

The Lions answered again with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Jesse James with 3:55 left in the third quarter.

Trubisky found Kmet for an 11-yard score with 11:23 remaining to make it 30-20.

Marvin Jones caught a 25-yard pass from Stafford with 2:18 to go to pull within 30-27.

–Field Level Media

Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs the ball against New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (47) and outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Lions RB Peterson misses practice with illness

Detroit Lions running back Adrian Peterson missed Thursday’s practice due to illness.

According to the Lions, the illness is not COVID-19 related.

The 35-year-old Peterson is Detroit’s leading rusher with 245 yards. Kerryon Johnson is second with 71.

Peterson signed with the Lions shortly before the start of the season after being released by the Washington Football Team.

Peterson ranks fifth in NFL history with 14,461 rushing yards and fourth with 112 rushing touchdowns.

The Lions (1-3) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media