Adrian Peterson ‘definitely’ won’t return in 2017 — Vikings GM

The Minnesota Vikings have officially closed the book on the Adrian Peterson era. “It’s a dream to keep going through this process (NFL free agency) and play for a team like the Vikings”.

The 31-year-old running back would have been due $18 million in salary against the cap in 2017 had he stayed in Minnesota.

The Raiders also could look for a cheaper, younger option in the draft, and could score a talent without using their first pick, the 24 overall.

Or is it perhaps that despite being in the National Football League for 10 seasons, Peterson still struggles to excel at a simple pass blocking assignment? At 6-foot-3 and weighing 225 pounds, Murray is strong enough to run between the tackles north and south to wear down defenses. He chose the number in memory of his best friend, Jonathan Diaz, who passed away last November. Obviously from a fantasy perspective, that part of his game you’d like to see continue. “I grew up watching Randy Moss and Cris Carter. So it was something I didn’t even need them to tell me, and everything worked out”.

Eddie Lacy was signed by Seattle, James Starks was cut and converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery will go into first offseason as a full-time running back.

Murray was at Winter Park on Wednesday until past midnight hammering out contract details. He finished a year ago with 195 carries for 788 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns. Murray hopes he can change that.

In 2016, Peterson played just three games and carried only 37 times for 72 yards, a 1.9-yard average. Prior to that, he was subpar at best rushing for a career-low 72 yards on 37 carries for a meager 1.9 yards per attempt.

With Oakland not making a strong push to re-sign Murray, despite being the team’s leading rusher the last two seasons, he made the jump to Minnesota where the promise of being more of a full-time back was possible. He played in just three games this past season with a knee injury and spent most of the season on the Injured Reserve list.

In theory, sure. The Lions are believed to be in the market for another running back, and the bruising Peterson would be a nice complement to Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. Sparano served as the Raiders assistant head coach and offensive line coach in 2013; after Oakland started the 2014 season 0-4, Sparano was promoted to interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Until Peterson realizes that he’ll be making far, far less than he ever has, he won’t be inclined to sign a contract with the frame of mind necessary to embrace, and not resent, his next employer. In the meantime, what is certain is he is gone from Minnesota.