Adrian Peterson to Hit Free Agency After Vikings Don't Exercise Contract Option

It appears Adrian Peterson's 10-year run with the Minnesota Vikings may come to an end. The team announced Tuesday that it will not exercise the 2017 contract option of the seven-time Pro Bowler, who will become an unrestricted free agent March 9.

"Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in the team's announcement. "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."

Peterson's contract was becoming a problem for the Vikings. He was scheduled to make $11.75 million with an $18 million cap hit in 2017, per Spotrac. His total contract made him the most expensive running back in the NFL, per Over the Cap. 

As brilliant as Peterson has been, reality finally started to settle in last season. The former All-Pro missed 13 games after suffering a torn meniscus in Week 2 and averaged just 1.9 yards per carry when he was on the field. 

Minnesota's inept offensive line deserves some of the blame, but Peterson is going to turn 32 on March 21 and has 2,418 rushing attempts under his belt. At some point he was going to hit the running back wall. 

During an appearance on ESPN's First Take in January, while admitting he hoped to remain with the Vikings, Peterson acknowledged he understands how the business side of things works. 

"I see myself in purple. A lot has to take place," Peterson said, via ESPN.com. "I see myself finishing off in purple. It is a business at the end of the day, so with that, things could end up differently. ... Hopefully we can work things out."

While there is still the potential for Minnesota to try re-signing Peterson, for now it looks as if his time in purple has come to an end. 

There's going to be a market for Peterson, who is just one year removed from leading the NFL with 327 carries, 1,485 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He may not play at that level anymore coming off an injury and due to his age, but it would be foolish to bet against his history on the field.