5 teams Adrian Peterson can play for in 2017

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) smiles prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Minnesota Vikings

If Peterson feels the need to win a Lombardi Trophy before retiring from the NFL, why would he not want to do it for the only team he’s ever played for? Minnesota has never won a Super Bowl. It would mean everything for the Twin Cities to see its star running back lead the Vikings to that elusive championship.

Peterson is having surgery before Week 3 to hopefully speed up the recovery process so he can be ready for a 2016 NFC Playoffs run. He is a one-of-a-kind physical specimen, but age has to be a factor in his recovery time. Peterson isn’t a kid any more and his best days of football are clearly behind him.

The ball really is in Vikings general manager Rick Spielman’s court. He has the power to extend Peterson the option in his contract for 2017. If Peterson’s rehab goes over smoothly these next few months, there is a good chance he can play for the Vikings in 2017.

Peterson is one of those players that football fans would hate to see wear another uniform. He’s been with the Vikings since being drafted by Minnesota in the 2007 NFL Draft. Peterson has put together one of the best careers of a running back in NFL history. He should be able to go out on his terms.

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Minnesota is just entering its multi-year window to contend for Super Bowls. Perhaps Peterson’s veteran presence is enough to get the Vikings over the top either this year or next. If he plays for anybody next season, it should be the Vikings.