Washington releases Adrian Peterson after 2 seasons

The Washington Football Team cut veteran running back Adrian Peterson on Friday after two seasons, the team announced.

The club exercised the 2020 option on Peterson's contract in February. The deal was signed in 2019 and was worth $5.03 million, according to Spotrac.

"Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league," head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement at the time. "Adrian's leadership and passion toward the game of football will set an example of what is expected of the players in this program moving forward."

Though Peterson admitted he "didn't see this happening," the 35-year-old "without a doubt" plans to continue playing ahead of his 14th NFL season, he told John Keim of ESPN.

Three teams have already inquired about the veteran runner since the release, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Peterson was productive last season, racking up 898 yards (4.3 per carry) and five scores across 15 games for last-place Washington.

The future Hall of Famer is a former MVP, four-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, and sits fifth on the all-time yards list among running backs (14,216) while also ranking fourth in rushing touchdowns (111).

Washington also cut running back Derrius Guice this summer after the 23-year-old was charged with multiple counts of domestic violence.

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