PETERSON TO BECOME FREE AGENT

Adrian Peterson

The Minnesota Vikings decided that they will not pick up the 2017 option on running back Adrian Peterson. This will make Peterson an unrestricted free agent on March 9. This will be the first time in Peterson's career that he'll be able to test the free agent market. While the Vikings haven't completely ruled out working out a deal for Peterson I can't imagine him returning when he can go elsewhere and play for a contender. Peterson's glory days might be behind him, but that doesn't mean he can't help impact a team.

The NFL is now a pass heavy league and majority of teams use the shotgun formation. This is huge because throughout Peterson's career most of his carries have come with the quarterback under center. In addition, Peterson has never been known for his hands which causes concern for him in passing situations. At some point father time catches up with everyone and there's no guarantee that Peterson will still have the same explosiveness in his surgically repaired knee.

Here are some possible destinations for Peterson:

New England Patriots
If winning a Super Bowl is high on Peterson's list then he needs to look no further. The Patriots have been known to get the most out of their running backs. Their running style would also fit what Peterson has been use to his entire career. With Tom Brady alongside in the backfield Peterson won't be relied on to produce a heavy load. Last year LeGarrette Blount ran for 18 touchdowns, who's to say Peterson wouldn't be able to do the same and more?

New York Giants
With the release of Rashad Jennings the Giants are definitely in the market for a running back. Bringing Peterson along would definitely make life easier for Eli Manning. The Giants finished 26th in points per game last year. With a star wide receiver like Odell Beckham Jr, a reliable ground game would do nothing but open more opportunities down the field.

Oakland Raiders
The Raiders had a phenomenal season, but all Super Bowl hopes were cut short with Derek Carr's season ending injury. Running back Latavius Murray will be testing the free agent market so that does put Oakland in the Peterson sweepstakes. Raiders may not have as much money to give Peterson as other teams, but he could definitely help them improve tremendously.

Dallas Cowboys
I would say it's unlikely for Peterson to end up in Dallas, but Peterson has expressed before how he would like to play in his home state. With Ezekiel Elliott proven to be the running back of the future, Peterson would have to take a lesser role. There's no doubt in my mind that Jerry Jones will try and land Peterson alongside Elliott. As much of a workhorse as Peterson is I just don't see him wanting to share a workload.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers may be in the market for an every down back very soon. It's looking like the Bucs may part ways with running back Doug Martin who was suspended the last four games of the season for violating league's policy on performance enhancement drugs. The suspension would allow the Bucs to void the remainder of Martin's contract, allowing them cap space to make Peterson an offer.

Minnesota Vikings
Last but not least, after all is said and done there's still a chance Peterson could re-sign with the Vikings. Peterson has said the "door is still open" for him to return to Minnesota. The Vikings had one of the top defenses last year, but the offensive line needs some re-tooling. If they can sure up that offensive line Peterson may take a closer look to staying with the Vikings.