Adrian Peterson Rumors: Latest on Bears, Redskins Ahead of 2019 NFL Free Agency

Adrian Peterson proved last season he still has something left in the tank, and he is now generating some interest ahead of NFL free agency, which officially begins on Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m. 

The latest buzz surrounding the future Hall of Fame running back links him to the Chicago Bears, who could pursue Peterson if they indeed trade running back Jordan Howard, as Mike Garafolo of NFL Network speculated.

Garafolo cited Bears head coach Matt Nagy's relationship with Brad Childress, Peterson's former head coach with the Minnesota Vikings, who is reportedly expected to join the organization as a consultant. 

Peterson, who turns 34 later this month, would complement Tarik Cohen in the Chicago backfield. 

The Bears' interest in Peterson, however, would be contingent on whether the Washington Redskins re-sign the running back. 

Peterson had a bit of a career renaissance with Washington last season, rushing for 1,042 yards and averaging 4.2 yards per carry while scoring seven rushing touchdowns in 2018. 

It was his first season of rushing for at least 1,000 yards since 2015, which is when he last made the Pro Bowl and was First Team All-Pro. 

The Redskins, who signed Peterson to a one-year, $1 million contract last season, have had preliminary talks with the veteran running back already, according to John Keim of ESPN.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported last week that he would not be surprised if the Redskins and Peterson agree to a deal soon as "a couple of teams" have shown some interest in him. 

Peterson would serve as insurance and a complement to running back Derrius Guice, who will be returning from an ACL tear that ended his rookie season before it could even begin during a preseason game. 

It was Guice's injury that allowed Peterson to step up and rejuvenate his career last season.