The Minnesota Vikings decided to decline running back Adrian Peterson’s 2017 contract option, meaning that the versatile player will become an unrestricted free agent on March 9th. Having spent his entire career with the Vikings, if they and Peterson cannot agree on a new contract then he will be playing somewhere else in August. Where could he play? Here are some teams that could be in line for his services.
NEW YORK GIANTS
New York only scored six times on the strength of their ground game in 2016, the league worst in that category. They ranked 30th in yards per carry (3.5), and 29th in rush yards per game (88.2). Needless to say, their ground game was not a bright spot. Some of that can be blamed on poor offensive line play, but if the Giants are serious about addressing the issue then AP would be the place to start. If New York can fix their offensive line and Peterson can come in healthy, he could bring balance to the Giants offense. The longer that Peterson is on the field, the more tired the opposing defense becomes. If that happened, then Eli Manning might have more time in the pocket to make throws. Another side benefit: if the G-Men can land Adrian Peterson then they can use draft picks on fixing other needs for their team and utilizing the free agent market to improve the team.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Seattle was known for their bruising running game when they had Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch. He retired after the 2015 season and last year the Seahawks rushing numbers were not the impressive stats of old. They were 25th in rushing yards per game with 99.4, tied for 24th in yards per carry at 3.9 and ran for 13 touchdowns. Seattle, like the Giants, did have their problems along the offensive line, but if they can obtain a talent such as Peterson then they can start looking at fixing those issues. Seattle has had plenty of postseason success of late, and if Peterson is looking for a Super Bowl ring then this team could help him get to the Big Game.
DETROIT LIONS
Detroit is known for their passing attack, but their running game needs some help. They scored only three more touchdowns (9) on the ground then the league worst New York Giants, ranked 30th in yards per game with 81.9, and ranked 27th in yards per carry (3.7 yards avg). By landing Peterson, Detroit would bring balance to their offense, allowing them to take pressure off quarterback Matthew Stafford. It would also mean that Peterson would stay in the only division he has played in since being drafted by the Vikings, the NFC North. Peterson knows the teams, and if he can come back healthy and ready to play solid football, then the Lions would have the best running back in their division.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: GREEN BAY PACKERS, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
ALL STATS ARE FROM WWW.NFL.COM
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