One of the biggest names talked about this NFL offseason is Adrian Peterson. The Vikings had the choice to exercise their team option on Peterson, keeping him with the team. With the draft having a surplus of running backs and some younger free agents planning to be on the market, the Vikings made a shocking move, declining the player option on their MVP RB. This makes Peterson a free agent, and he already mentioned some teams that interested him, but where would he fit the best? That's why I'm here, so let's get into the details.
He still got the juice?
Adrian Peterson at age 31, still has great years left in him as a starting running back. Peterson's last three seasons have been up and down, as he has been hit with injuries and off the field issues. In 2014 he missed 15 games due to his child-abuse charges, where he was placed on the commissioner's exempt list. In 2016 he missed the majority of the season when he was dealing with a torn meniscus. Many running backs start declining in their mid 30s, but Adrian Peterson is a different breed. Let's not forget he ran for over 2,000 yards the year after he had a torn ACL in the last game of that season. Peterson knows he has what it takes, explaining to ESPN's Josina Anderson in a statement "They know what I bring to the organization as a player, with my work ethic and dedication." (ESPN).
Peterson is arguably on of the best backs ever, having 11,747 career yards, putting him 16th all time. He also rushed for 1,000+ yards in 7 out of his ten seasons, which is remarkable. He also has the single game rushing record, with 296 yards. He has 97 touchdowns, and for his career, he is averaging almost five yards per carry.
Peterson is a dominant back, and even though he had a down year, expect him to come back with a vengeance. Deja vu? I think so.
The right fit
Now that he will be a free agent next Thursday, what place would be the best fit for the former league MVP? Adrian Peterson already named a few teams earlier in the year, like the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Giants are in need of a running back, as they have released their back Rashad Jennings. The Bucs have a promising back in Doug Martin, but he has been off and on as he has been dealing with injuries.
Peterson and the Vikings aren't completely closing the door on Peterson's return as their GM Rick Spielman says "We will continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open while determining what is best for both parties moving forward." (ESPN). Adrian echoed that statement also saying "The door is still open to find some common ground. In the meantime, I will explore my other options and see what path God leads me on. My main goal remains the same: to win a Super Bowl championship with a great team, which I also believe we have in Minnesota." (ESPN).
Peterson will have time to look at his options, and will have to make the decision that will best benefit his future. I believe he wants to stay in Minnesota, but will he take a small pay cut in order to. Will the Vikings get younger talent through the draft? We will see, but whoever has Adrian Peterson, will get an all-time great back, primed for an explosion.
