Cleveland, OH. (PFCritics) -- The Chicago Bears signed running back Adrian Peterson to a three-year contract extension on Wednesday, making his deal last until 2009. The move came shortly after the team signed special teamer Alex Bannister to a one-year deal.

Peterson was originally a sixth-round draft pick for the Bears in 2002, and has done fairly well, especially last season. Last year, he rushed for 5.1 yards-per-carry, with 391 yards on 76 carries. He also did well on special teams by recording 18 tackles, which ranked him third on the team.

Peterson is the team's third running back on the depth chart, but will still see playing time in certain packages.