Don’t get your hopes about Adrian Peterson signing with the Houston Texans.
This is not a surprise at all.
The Minnesota Vikings have announced that they will not exercise running back Adrian Peterson’s 2017 option. This means he will become a free agent when the new league year begins on March 9th.
From the Vikings official website:
"The Minnesota Vikings announced today the team will not exercise the 2017 option on RB Adrian Peterson’s contract. Peterson will become an unrestricted free agent on Thursday, March 9.“Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization,” said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. “We will continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open while determining what is best for both parties moving forward.”"
Peterson was scheduled to make $18 million in 2017. Minnesota was too smart to let that happen. But it sounds like he could still sign a new contract with the Vikings.
Based on my conversations, I still anticipate Vikings could make Peterson a strong offer (possibly more than $6 mill per year + incentives).
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 28, 2017
Peterson would then have choice to dive into free agency, which he certainly might do. But I don’t sense it’s conclusive he’s done in Minny.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 28, 2017
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Peterson released a statement to Josina Anderson of 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.”"
Earlier in the offseason Peterson brought up the Texans as one of a few teams he wouldn’t mind playing for. I honestly don’t see it happening.
Peterson will be turning 32 years-old next month, and the future Hall of Famer is expected to land a deal that will pay him around $7-8 million a year. Which is way too much money.
It would make absolutely zero sense for Houston to sign Peterson to anything over $4 million a year. They don’t have the cap room and they already have a very good starting running back Lamar Miller.
Chime in with your thoughts in the comments section!
Next: What Antonio Brown’s new contract means for Texans, DeAndre Hopkins