Washington running back Adrian Peterson hasn't had an opportunity to run behind seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams since 2018. Unless there is a reunion in the future, Peterson won't get that opportunity again, and he isn't happy about it.
"I didn't like the trade," Peterson said via Sam Fortier of the Washington Post. "Obviously, I feel like Trent is the best offensive lineman in the game. ... I was hoping that there'd be some good ending."
Adrian Peterson on the Trent Williams trade: "I didn't like the trade. Obviously, I feel like Trent is the best offensive lineman in the game. ... I was hoping that there'd be some good ending."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) May 21, 2020
That didn't happen, and Washington became willing to surrender the disgruntled offensive tackle to the 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in this past April's draft and a third-rounder next year. He will replace recently-retired left tackle Joe Staley.
Peterson rushed for over 1,000 yards and seven rushing touchdowns in 2018 with Williams in Washington's lineup.
Williams is among a contingent of 49ers players who have been training with Peterson in Houston this offseason. The others are wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Jerick McKinnon.
"The guy that we're training with is Adrian Peterson and his trainer," Samuel recently shared. "And also, Trent Williams is out here. I mean, training with these guys is probably one of the hardest workouts I've been doing since I've been playing football."
49ers running backs, as well as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, stand to benefit from Williams' presence during the upcoming season. Peterson obviously wishes he could have benefitted instead.
"Trent is an unbelievable tackle," running back Raheem Mostert said this week, "and he's probably one of the most athletic guys I've seen thus far on tape. I'm so excited, and can't wait to work with him."