Would Adrian Peterson make sense for Philadelphia Eagles?
By Ryan Quigley
Adrian Peterson’s days in Minnesota could be over. Could he interest the Philadelphia Eagles?
The Minnesota Vikings are set to move on from Adrian Peterson. The team announced Tuesday that they will not exercise Peterson’s option for 2017, which will make him a free agent when the clock strikes 4 p.m. on March 9.
It’s entirely possible that Peterson could return to the Vikings on a cheaper deal. The future Hall of Famer was scheduled to count $18 million against the cap in 2017, which is astronomical for a 31-year-old running back (he will turn 32 in March). Peterson also expressed interest in returning to Minnesota in a statement, per ESPN.
"It’s been a great 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings. They know what I bring to the organization as a player, with my work ethic and dedication. I spoke with Rick Spielman this past weekend. The door is still open to find some common ground. I understand addressing the offensive line is one of their main priorities this offseason. In the meantime, I will explore my other options and see what path God leads me on. My main goal remains the same: to win a Super Bowl championship with a great team, which I also believe we have in Minnesota."
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Assuming he chooses to move on from Minnesota, there will be a lot of teams interested in signing Peterson. The New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys could all be landing spots. But what about the Philadelphia Eagles? The Eagles desperately need to sign a running back this offseason. Ryan Mathews‘ time in Philadelphia is likely over and Darren Sproles will retire at the end of the 2017 season. It’s unlikely he is capable of carrying the load he did in Minnesota, but Peterson would join the Eagles and immediately be the best running back on the roster.
The likelihood of the Eagles signing Peterson is slim, but it’s possible. Peterson wants to win a Super Bowl and signing onto a team with a young, up-and-coming quarterback like Carson Wentz could sell the seven-time All-Pro.