The New York Giants must kick the tires on Adrian Peterson

The New York Giants should at least have a conversation about signing Adrian Peterson.

OK New York Giants fans, this idea is going to come off as very radical. You are here, you might as well at least read it before you start laughing.

When rookies hit the NFL, what do they typically talk about? The adjustments to the schedule. The adjustments to the speed of the game. Learning how to be good pros. Understanding their role in the classroom. It’s all about the transition moving from college to the big time. Players that have been successful talk about how veterans have helped them make that transition.

Saquon Barkley is the new running back in town and he comes with high expectations. The expectations he sets for himself seem to be even harder. The Giants may be looking at a guy that is a generational talent. Being the second pick of the draft brings a level of expectations in and of itself and Barkley is expected to be even better. Of course, unless he has difficulty with the transition into the NFL.

Coming to New York is not always the easiest way to begin a pro career. With all of the different things to get into, there are plenty of ways to get into trouble. Ask Lawrence Taylor. There is a great deal of ways to occupy your time other than studying and playing football. Barkley will most certainly be afforded the opportunity for endorsement deals. Add all of that to the fact that he has to learn to be an NFL player and there is the potential for obstacles to prevent his greatness.

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Just the way it helps a young quarterback, having a strong mentor in the backfield would give Barkley a sounding board and a good influence. Now, the Giants do have Jonathan Stewart in the fold. With all due respect, he was never the player that Adrian Peterson has been. Peterson just happens to be a free agent as we all know.

Peterson would make an excellent mentor for Barkley as he transitions from Penn State to the Giants. Despite the last couple of seasons, Peterson’s stats leave nothing to question. He set the standard about a decade. You only have to go back to 2015 for when Peterson rushed for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Yes, the stats are down since then, but the Giants would not be asking him to lead the way. Peterson would be here simply as a mentor and a guy that could give Barkley a rest. Despite what he thinks, his time leading the way for a team is over. If it wasn’t he probably would have been signed by now.

Peterson is going to have to come to grips with the fact that he is 33 years old. That is not the age where running backs dominate. But he is at the perfect age to help out and be a guide for a young player taking the lead as the next big thing.

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Now don’t get me wrong. This would take a lot for it to happen. First of all, Peterson would have to come to terms with the above. He has to understand that he wouldn’t be the lead dog and that he doesn’t deserve that kind of money anymore. Peterson would have to be able to accept a lesser role. If he can’t this is a non-starter and a moot point.

He also must understand he isn’t worth millions of dollars anymore. The Giants cannot, and should not, break the bank for this type of move. But if they can get him to take a smaller “show me” contract that is incentive-laden, the Giants should explore the idea. If you really think about it, it makes sense.

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