Adrian Peterson: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on Vikings RB's Future

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson revealed interest in three teams on Jan. 19 in the event that the Vikings opt to release or trade him this offseason.

Continue for updates.

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Peterson Comments on Future in Minnesota

Thursday, Feb. 9

NFL.com shared video (comments start at 4:40) of Peterson's appearance on the network during the week of the Super Bowl. While on the network, he discussed his future with the franchise.

"It’s somewhat tough, but at the end of the day I understand that it’s a business. ... It’s more tough because I’ve been there for 10 years plus, you think about all the relationships you build there, with the organization and with teammates, that’s what you hate to depart from the most.”

Deion Sanders then asked Peterson if he would like to retire with the Vikings, to which the running back replied that he would. 

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Cowboys Reportedly a Possibility for Peterson

Sunday, Feb. 5

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning: "There is a belief in league circles that the Dallas Cowboys lurk in the background and could very well be in play for the potential free agent, according to league sources. One league source said that if the Vikings and Peterson could not agree on a restructured contract, the Cowboys could be an option."

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Peterson Shows Interest in Texans, Buccaneers and Giants

Thursday, Jan. 19

According to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune, AP listed the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants as potential landing spots.

Peterson is under contract with the Vikings for one more season with a cap hit of $18 million, per Spotrac.

While the 31-year-old veteran has been productive when healthy, he played in only three games during the 2016 season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Minnesota struggled to run the ball in his absence, ranking last in the NFL with 75.3 rushing yards per game in 2016.

That suggests the Vikings would be wise to keep him, even if they have to restructure his contract.

Should Minnesota opt to move on, however, the Giants stand out as the best fit for Peterson out of the three teams he mentioned.

New York was only 29th in the NFL in rushing due largely to ineffective play from veteran Rashad Jennings.

The Bucs could be a logical destination since starting running back Doug Martin is in the midst of a suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, although he signed a five-year, $35.75 million contract extension last offseason, according to Spotrac.

While Houston is Peterson's de facto home team, joining the Texans is likely a pipe dream due to the presence and productivity of running back Lamar Miller.

The sample size was small, but Peterson averaged a minuscule 1.9 yards per carry this season on 37 totes, which creates some concern about whether he has hit the wall that so many running backs tend to run into after the age of 30.

He did rack up 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015, though, which makes him worth the risk for a team in need of better production in the backfield.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has made a career of doing the unthinkable, as he bounced back from a torn ACL at the end of the 2011 season to nearly break the single-season rushing record with 2,097 yards in 2012.

Due to his penchant for bouncing back from injuries unlike almost anyone else in the sport, Peterson should have plenty of suitors if the Vikings cut ties with him.

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