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Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he is prepared to sign with the New Orleans Saints. Odds on the Saints to win the 2017 Super Bowl were still long at 70-1.
Peterson, who became a free agent after Minnesota opted not to renew his contract, broke the news Tuesday morning to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, saying he would sign a two-year deal that is effectively a one-year deal plus a one-year option worth approximately $7 million.
The maximum incentives package is $8.25 million and whatever incentives are reached in 2017 get added to the per-game roster bonuses in 2018, according to ESPN.
"I am excited to be joining the New Orleans Saints," Peterson told Anderson. "I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. Most importantly, I chose this team because it just felt right within my spirit. Additionally, my wife and family added their confirmation with the same feelings.
"On offense, it goes without saying that the Saints are really solid behind Drew Brees. I feel like my skill set can make them even more dominant as a unit. They have a great offensive line, which is something that stood out to me as well. I could tell from talking to head coach Sean Payton over the last two weeks that he did his due diligence in evaluating how I could contribute. I also did a lot of homework on the defense as well. While I know that injuries have played a role in performance, I also see areas of potential with a lot of younger guys having the ability to step up. Lastly, it goes without saying that the Saints have an amazing fan base and I look forward to making them proud and creating everlasting memories."
In an ironic twist, the Saints will face the Vikings in Week 1 of the 2017 NFL regular season.
Peterson, the 2012 NFL MVP, spent his first 10 seasons with the Vikings and ranks 16th in NFL history with 11,747 rushing yards.
During the 2016 NFL season, the Saints, despite going just 7-9 Straight Up, ended with a scorching 11-5 record Against The Spread.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
