Adrian Peterson to the Chiefs? It was a possible scenario but not seriously considered
Future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson found a home Sunday morning by agreeing to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, two days after Washington released the veteran running back.
But the thought of Peterson in a Chiefs uniform had been a real possibility.
There was a mutual level of interest between the Chiefs and Peterson, but ultimately no serious consideration was given to the prospect of a union because of the fast turnaround before the Chiefs’ regular-season opener Thursday against the Houston Texans, a source familiar with the situation told The Star.
Also in play were the league’s COVID-19 testing and screening protocols, which mandate two days of testing 24 hours apart before a player can be allowed into a new club’s building to undergo a physical or participate in team activities.
The Chiefs kick off the regular season Thursday night against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium, so the league policy would’ve made for a jumbled run-up to that game for both the Chiefs and the former superstar back.
During a Sunday morning Zoom call, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach wasn’t asked directly about the organization’s interest in Peterson, who played for Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for four seasons in Minnesota (2007-10).
But Veach spoke to the challenges of potential free-agent signings in the wake of Saturday’s roster trimmings as all teams raced to pare down to 53 players by the NFL’s afternoon deadline for doing so.
“We even talked about some of these guys that we’re identifying for the practice squad not even having them here,” Veach said. “These guys will have to go through, I believe, two days of testing.
“And once these guys clear waivers, if they’re out on the street, then it’s going to be three days, so it certainly puts us in a bind — where the guys you want to bring in either on the active or practice squad, there’s going to be a delay in that.”
The Chiefs might not actively engage in adding to their active 53-player roster and practice squad before Thursday’s game, but they will have the advantage of extra time to tinker with their current roster, if needed.
While the rest of the league will play next weekend, the Chiefs can spend that time in further evaluation.
“I think the one good thing — and we talked about this yesterday (Saturday) — having a Thursday game will help us moving forward,” Veach said. “So, we’ll be able to utilize those two or three days of COVID testing with the extended weekend. That will be a benefit to having Thursday to kind of be able to re-calibrate our roster, both active and practice squad, knowing that we can get guys in over the weekend.”
The Chiefs’ initial 53-player roster should be viewed as fluid. Veach’s history in his current role clearly shows he isn’t one to maintain the status quo. Going back to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl season of 2019, the general manager found in-season contributors in defensive tackle Mike Pennel, guard Stefen Wisniewski, defensive end Demone Harris and defensive end Terrell Suggs.
The Chiefs will still consider potential free-agent signings in today’s COVID-19 environment, with some adjustments.
“I don’t know if it will limit to the extent of not doing things,” Veach said. “It will just delay their ability to get on the field as quickly. I think that’s the big thing. I think when there’s a need, unless the need or the injury or the scenario that you encounter is only a one-week or two injury. … you’re still going to have to make those moves.
“Unfortunately, for us and really all teams, there’s going to be a delay in regards to how quickly those guys can get acclimated and get on the field.”
