Adrian Peterson is heading to Detroit. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Peterson signing one-year deal with Lions after Washington release

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/6/20

There was no doubt Adrian Peterson would land on his feet after being released by the Washington Football Team, and now he's found himself a new home.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Peterson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.

Compensation update I: New Lions’ RB Adrian Peterson is signing a one-year, $1,050,000 deal, plus incentives with Detroit, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 6, 2020

The signing reunites Peterson with his former offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings, Darrell Bevell. He'll join a crowded backfield that includes Kerryon Johnson and D'Andre Swift.

Peterson revealed that being released by Washington caught him off guard because he was having such a strong training camp.

The 35-year-old rushed for 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons with Washington. He missed just one game when Jay Gruden made him a healthy inactive for a game in 2019.

Peterson is fifth on the all-time rushing list with 14,216 yards — just 1,053 yards behind No. 4 Barry Sanders.

The four-time All-Pro was lined up to be the starter after Washington released Derrius Guice this summer, but it seems the club has decided to move in another direction. Antonio Gibson, Bryce Love, Peyton Barber and J.D. McKissic are the remaining backs in Washington after Peterson's release.

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