Adrian Peterson rumors: Raiders, Lions involved

Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Free agent running backs are beginning to find homes, and Adrian Peterson may be left with two obvious landing spots.

Adrian Peterson has done a lot from his end to suggest teams he would like to play for, before and after the Vikings decided not to pick up his contract option for 2017. To this point his only known visit has been to the Seahawks, who have since signed Eddie Lacy instead.

A return to the Vikings at a more reasonable price has seemed more and more possible in recent days. Lacy left a visit to Minnesota without a deal, and the Vikings pivoted quickly by bringing Latavius Murray in for a visit.

The Vikings have signed Murray, as a likely replacement for Peterson. The potential landing spots for the 2012 NFL MVP are quickly dwindling, and two teams that are potentially in the market for a running back may be at the top of that list.

The Raiders are an obvious landing spot for Peterson, now that they’ve lost Murray. Peterson has expressed interest in them, but previous reports have suggested that interest was not mutual.  Things could change now, though, or the Raiders could look toward the draft for a back to fill a short yardage and goal line role.

The Lions had the NFL’s 30th-ranked rush offense in 2016 (81.9 yards per game), so running back is a potential need. They have also beefed up their offensive line in free agency, signing tackle Rick Wagner and guard T.J. Lang, which Peterson may like as he looks for a new team.

Next: 10 best signings in 2017 NFL free agency

The Green Bay Packers could also be added to Peterson’s list of suitors, but there has been no known interest on their end. Asking price will still be a determining factor in where he lands, but teams may finally be ready to reciprocate Peterson’s effort to create his own free agent market.