Adrian Peterson will remain with the Washington Redskins after the team activated their 2020 contract option to retain the running back.

Washington had until February 25 to exercise their club option, which ensures them of Peterson's services for next season on a $2.25million salary and keeps him out of free agency.

Peterson will carry a cap hit of $3.1m and his dead cap figure would have been just $750,000, but his importance to the Redskins was underlined by their move to keep him, which was announced on Wednesday.

A month ahead of his 35th birthday, Peterson has kickstarted his career with the Redskins, starting 31 of their 32 games in the last two seasons, rushing for 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has added 37 catches, 350 yards and a further score through the air and will remain with the rebuilding team, who have second-year pro Dwayne Haskins at quarterback.

Ron Rivera, the team's new head coach, hailed Peterson's professionalism as he sets about improving on a disappointing 3-13 season.

"Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league," said Rivera, whose team hold the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

"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 enters his 13th NFL season fifth all-time in rushing yards with 14,216, a total which is 1,054 behind Barry Sanders, and fourth in career rushing touchdowns having scored 111.