Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here's a look at the fantasy implications of free-agent RB Adrian Peterson signing with the New Orleans Saints:
Adrian Peterson confirms the deal finalized yesterday. He'll be a member of the #Saints https://t.co/7v8fmjpTIH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2017
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Mark Ingram loses RB1 status
The biggest impact on fantasy owners as a result of this news is the lessened workload for Saints RB Mark Ingram. He received 200-plus carries for the second time in three seasons in 2016, but he ceded some work to backup Tim Hightower in the middle of the season, receiving just seven carries thrice in a four-week span from Weeks 11-14. He saw just 57 targets and caught 46 balls, after catching 50 of 60 targets in 2015.
Per FantasyFootballCalculator, Ingram was being selected with the 22nd-overall pick in early drafts. He ranked as RB13, sandwiched between San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde and and Denver Broncos RB C.J. Anderson.
The Saints had already brought in RB Travaris Cadet to serve as the primary pass catcher out of the backfield. With WRs Michael Thomas, Willie Snead, and Ted Ginn Jr. joined by TE Coby Fleener, there isn't likely to be a whole lot of pass-catching work for any running back in New Orleans, even on a team which ranked fifth with a pass-play percentage of 63.44 last season.
With limited work in the passing game and Peterson sharing duties on the ground, Ingram should be dropped to RB2 status and selected in the fourth round, below Atlanta Falcons RB Tevin Coleman and Cleveland Browns RB Isaiah Crowell, per FFC.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
All Day to produce only on some days
Peterson was being selected as the RB17 while a free agent. His possible landing spots to be a No. 1 option for a team shrunk quickly during free agency, and the impending draft was sure to fill the rest. As a result, he'll enter the year as No. 2 on the Saints' depth chart, with nothing but a timeshare with Ingram likely in his fantasy forecast.
Injuries limited Peterson to just three games last season, while an injury-ravaged and overall poor Minnesota Vikings offensive line limited him to just 72 yards on 37 carries. He failed to score a touchdown, and he lost one fumble. He totaled 1,485 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015, but he hasn't scored a receiving touchdown since 2013. Don't expect him to be involved in the Saints' passing game at all. He is late-round flier at best in PPR leagues.
Name value will always have Peterson go higher than he deserves in fantasy drafts. As a real-world RB2 with no work in the passing game, he'll enter the fantasy football season as a mid-tier RB4. He's little more than a handcuff, likely to see between 12-15 touches per game when Ingram and Cadet are both healthy.
