RB Adrian Peterson a free agent after 10 years with Vikings

Both sides have acknowledged that they are open to a reunion, and they have until March 9 before Peterson can officially hit free agency.

The team didn’t, and although they say they will welcome Peterson back to the Vikings, financial details was certainly a motivator.

It would have been nuts for Adrian Peterson to be allowed to return at his $18 million salary, so the Vikings finally made it official.

We detailed before why the New England Patriots typically show interest in released veteran players over typical unrestricted free agents, so it’s at least worth perking up when a player who still holds some value gets cut.

While there is still the potential for Minnesota to try re-signing Peterson, for now it looks as if his time in purple has come to an end. He has talked in the past of wanting to retire as a Vikings.

As brilliant as Peterson has been, reality finally started to settle in last season.

The contract will be the sticking point for a lot of fans who aren’t sold on the idea of signing a running back on the plus side of thirty who has suffered two significant knee injuries in the last three seasons.

Two seasons ago, he ran for more than 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The Dallas Cowboys already have an All-Pro running back in 21-year-old Ezekiel Elliott, but even that might not stop the Cowboys from targeting another former All-Pro back in free agency.

Peterson could find a starting role somewhere, but leaving aside his name recognition he’s a limited back with little place in today’s National Football League offenses.

I think most people would agree that the Indianapolis Colts have a need at running back that they should address this offseason.

On the other hand, Rotoworld reported that, “According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, several GMs have balked at the idea of paying Adrian Peterson $5 million on a one-year contract”. He opened the season with a disappointing 31 yards on 19 carries against the Tennessee Titans, then tore his meniscus in a 19-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.