Washington Exercises Option on Adrian Peterson

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Running back Adrian Peterson will remain in NFC East.

Washington exercised their 2020 team option on Peterson, the team announced on Wednesday.

"Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league," Washington Redskins coach Ron Rivera said, via the team's official site. "Adrian's leadership and passion towards the game of football will set an example of what is expected of the players in this program moving forward."

Peterson, 34, is entering the final season of a two-year, $5M contract with Washington.

"Going into this season, there's so much more I can do and how I can help this team,” Peterson told ESPN's John Kiem.

The organization is receiving his services at a bargain rate, paying Peterson $2.3M in the final year of the agreement. The contract value makes Peterson the 21st highest paid running back, according to Spotrac.

Peterson, an 11-year league veteran, led the team in rushing with 898 yards, last season, for the second consecutive season. The four-time NFL All-Pro hopes to build upon his high-level of production, as he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2021.

"Going into this season, there's so much more I can do and how I can help this team," Peterson told Kiem. "My mentality is showing the Adrian Peterson of old and not just flashes; really showing, 'Wow, this cat is on a whole different level.'"