Adrian Peterson Reportedly Won't Sign Contract Before 2017 NFL Draft

The Adrian Peterson waiting game will apparently continue past the 2017 NFL draft.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Peterson will not sign a deal before the draft, "barring a dramatic shift."

Peterson, 32, is an unrestricted free agent for the first time after the Minnesota Vikings declined his option for the 2017 season. He has met with the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints but left both facilities without a contract.

A seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson is coming off the worst year of his career. He was limited to just three games due to a knee injury, rushing for a career-low 72 yards on 37 carries. The Vikings brought him back for a brief period toward the end of the season in hopes he could help push them into the playoffs, but it was clear he was playing at less than 100 percent.

After some speculated Peterson remained on the market due to his contract demands, he took to Twitter to deny those claims.

"Here is something straight from the horse's mouth ... finding the best fit & helping a team in a major way win a championship is my main objective! I'm in no rush," Peterson tweeted. "Let me eliminate questions or speculation as to why...I believe whole heartedly my God will land me right where I need to be to accomplish what I've asked from him PERIOD."

Peterson's remaining on the market after the draft is another indication that he was being truthful in his desire to wait things out. It's probably for the best.

The 2017 draft features potentially elite young running backs in Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook and Joe Mixon. It would behoove Peterson to wait things out to see if any of the running back-needy teams he met with so far draft someone who could take away his playing time. 

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