Adrian Peterson rumors: Teams balk at hefty cost

Adrian Peterson has not found a new team yet, and the top reason why is even more clear.

The Minnesota Vikings declined their 2017 option on Adrian Peterson early this month, then officially cut ties publicly after signing Latavius Murray. Peterson tried to drum up his own market at the start of free agency, with one-sided reports and comments from his father. But his only known free agent visit to this point has been with the Seattle Seahawks, who then quickly pivoted and signed Eddie Lacy.

The list of possible suitors for Peterson, limited as it has always been, is essentially down to the Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers and perhaps the Detroit Lions. An injury during OTAs, preseason or training camp could open up an opportunity somewhere else, and Peterson’s noted lack of love for those things could make him willing to wait.

The Packers signing Peterson would drive headlines, as they are the Vikings’ chief rival. They considered having the 32-year-old in for a visit, but apparently thought better of it.

However, the door may not be closed on Peterson landing in Green Bay. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, in longer form, passed along a nugget from Vikings’ ESPN reporter Ben Goessling suggesting the Packers could considering signing Peterson after April’s draft.

Fowler also reported Peterson’s initial asking price, possibly more than $8 million in the first year of a new contract, was a non-starter for teams in the market for a running back. That’s not at all surprising, given Peterson felt like he deserved the $18 million in total the Vikings were due to pay him this year. But the actual market value for running backs, including the new deals for Lacy and Murray, has surely given Peterson a reality check now.

Peterson is running out of options, especially if the Packers don’t revisit their potential interest. It’s worth noting LeGarrette Blount, and his 2016 league-leading 18 rushing touchdowns, is also still available.

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If it’s a two-down back teams like the Raiders or Lions seek, and it very well could be in both cases, Blount is a viable alternative with better recent production. Unless his expectations change substantially, Peterson will be left holding the bag (with no free agency money in it) until further notice.