The suitors for Adrian Peterson already appear to be narrowing down.
According to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson, Nelson Peterson says it appears that Oakland and Seattle are the most likely destinations for his son.
Peterson will officially become a free agent for the first time during his NFL career on Thursday. Teams have been able to talk with AP’s agent, Ben Dorga, today, but they cannot sign Peterson until Thursday at the earliest.
However, Nelson Peterson told the Pioneer Press that his son is very interested in Seattle because they are a Super Bowl contender and because former Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is in the same position with the Seahawks.
On the surface, Seattle might make some sense. It has long been a home for former Vikings looking to extend their careers and the Seahawks do need a running back.
Peterson is similar in style to former Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who was very productive. Peterson also was very productive early in his career under Bevell in Minnesota.
But it’s also not the first time we have heard the Peterson camp mention possible suitors – in fact it’s not even the first one of the day. Peterson also expressed interest in joining Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in New England.
Adrian Peterson's dad said son interested in Patriots but doesn't know if they're interested in him But dad says for sure SEA/OAK interested
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 7, 2017
While Peterson’s dad claims the Seahawks are interested, USA Today’s Tom Pelissero reports differently.
#Seahawks have no immediate interest in Adrian Peterson, I'm told. History shows they'll revisit sometimes if a guy is sitting out there.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2017
He will be 32 next season and even apart from a knee injury that cost him much of last season, there are signs he’s starting to slow down.
AP wasn’t exactly tearing it up before he got hurt. He had just 50 yards rushing on 31 carries during the Vikings first two games of last season, but the decline in his numbers goes back further than that.
Over his last eight NFL games, Peterson has run for 100 yards just once.
- Sept. 18, 2016 vs. Green Bay: 12 carries, 19 yards
- Sept. 11, 2016 at Tennessee: 19 carries, 31 yards
- Jan. 10, 2016 vs. Seattle: 23 carries, 45 yards
- Jan. 3, 2016 at Green Bay: 19 carries, 67 yards
- Dec. 27, 2015 vs. New York Giants: 22 carries, 104 yards
- Dec. 20, 2015 vs. Chicago: 18 carries, 63 yards
- Dec. 10, 2015 at Arizona: 23 carries, 69 yards
- Dec. 6, 2015 vs. Seattle: 8 carries, 18 yards
It’s that trend and a strong class of rookie running backs about to enter the NFL that may temper the market for Peterson.
In fact, the Star Tribune’s Matt Vensel thinks Peterson’s best suitor might be the team that is set to let him test the market.
