Did Peterson re-injure his collarbone?
In news that could potentially shake the dynamics of the first 10 picks in this weekend’s draft, SI.com’s Don Banks reports former Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson re-injured his collarbone while playing in the Fiesta Bowl in January. Apparently, Peterson disclosed the injury at the NFL Combine in March, but it’s just now coming to light.
This is compelling information if it’s true. Not that a collarbone injury is a massive concern, but certainly any injury that forces a player to have surgery has to be taken seriously. Plus, part of the knock on Peterson is that he runs too upright and therefore is overly susceptible to being injured. The Cleveland Browns are one of the top teams interested in Peterson, but have also been linked to Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. It’s realistic to think the Browns have already made their decision regarding the third overall pick, but it’s worth speculating they were scared off of Peterson after the NFL Combine.
If you’re into conspiracy theories, maybe the Bills or Packers (two teams interested in a running back) released the information in hopes Peterson falls to the back half of the top 10 and will make a move to trade up. Oh the NFL Draft tension mounts.
Interesting. I have to admit I would reconsider taking him if this is true and he needs surgury.
Peterson to the Pack? Too good to be true!
Apparently the Chiefs have spoken to GB about LJ, but haven’t received a “good” offer from anyone. I’m not sure why anyone would give up a major piece for him if the Chiefs don’t even think he’s worth the money. (Though he’d look great in the green and gold.)
I think the Chiefs are concerned for two reasons:
One, Johnson is nearing the (shh, don’t say it!) time where teams start to freak out about a running backs’ age. He’s only 27, but teams are freaking out earlier and earlier as time goes by, and therefore Kansas City wants to see what its options are.
Two, and the main reason, is the market is so ridiculous right now, the Chiefs don’t even want to step into negotiations with a player they know is going to break the bank. Above average players like Derrick Dockery (seven-year, $49 million) and Leonard Davis (seven-year, $49.6 million) are getting outrageous contracts and they’re guards. Johnson is going to want a king’s ransom given the position he plays, so KC wants to test the water to see what it could get for him.
It’s not necessarily they don’t want him; they’re just weighing the price vs. his age. I still think they’re playing with fire by letting this info go public (even though they’re adamant now they’re not trading him this weekend), however.
AS