Barring a restructuring of the deal, Adrian Peterson will no longer be a Minnesota Viking. That $18-million cap hit looms large on the horizon and AP is going to be 32 years old next month, which is about 82 in normal people years as running backs generally hit the wall at 30. With all this information, it is reasonable to assume that AP could easily be cut. Assuming that Peterson decides that this is not his last ride, he has a few options for playing next year, but none of them will be for $18 million. This list is based on a need at running back and the ability to win now. Peterson has never hoisted the Lombardi and one can be pretty sure that he would like to cross that one off the bucket list.
Top 3 Landing Spots for Adrian Peterson
3. Oakland Raiders
Admittedly, this is highly unlikely due to the firm Raiders stance on domestic violence and AP’s past issues. Let’s suspend disbelief for a minute and analyze. First, someone is going to overpay Latavius Murray and it won’t be the Raiders. The Raider offense is among the tops in the league and Peterson would definitely make it better. The Raiders are a good fit because AP wouldn’t need to carry the ball 30 times per game and the Raiders have one of the best offensive lines in football. A one-year deal could be mutually beneficial, but most Raiders fans can’t forget the Maurice Jones-Drew failure.
2. New York Giants
This is the move that is getting all the press. While getting a back with the capabilities of Adrian Peterson will absolve a lot of sins, the problem with the Giants is not a lack of talent, but a lack of discipline. AP is not going to help a team in that way. Plus, this AP is not going to be the guy that carries the ball 300+ times per year. There are too many miles on this model to make that realistic. This might be the “sexy” pick, but it is not going to have the desired affected for the Giants faithful. AP is not going to lead Big Blue to the Promised land.
1. Green Bay Packers
Remember that little issue that Brett Favre had a few years ago? The one where he was retiring, then he wasn’t, then he was, and so on? This is known as poetic justice. Favre went to play for the hated division rival, the Minnesota Vikings and took them to the NFC Championship game. What’s good for the goose is always good for the gander. The Pack has struggled with keeping a healthy running game going and AP would provide enough of a threat that opponents can’t drop everyone into coverage.
Special Bonus
Dallas Cowboys
This gets a mention for two reasons. First, AP is from Texas and might be inclined to give a hometown discount to the Cowboys. Second, Jerry Jones is just crazy enough to bring in a 32-year-old running back to split time with Ezekiel Elliot and think that it will all work out in the end. This is a bad plan, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
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