Adrian Peterson Says He Would Be Open To Playing For Buccaneers, Giants & Texans

January 19, 2017

During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” Thursday morning, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson discussed the possibility of becoming a free agent if Minnesota declined to pick up his option.

“If that doesn’t happen. I’ve earned my way up to that [$18 million], by the way,” Peterson said, via the Star-Tribune. “But if it doesn’t happen, [I would want] a place where me and my family are comfortable, [and] just the opportunity to compete for a championship. That’s my main goal that I want to accomplish.”

Peterson specifically mentioned that he would like to play for a contender that had a good defense, a “good offensive scheme” and “a great coaching staff.”

When asked what teams he could see himself playing for, Peterson tossed out the Buccaneers, Giants and Texans.

The Texans happen to be Peterson’s hometown and were linked to him a few years ago as a potential landing spot. However, they signed Lamar Miller to a big-money contract, so it would be surprising to see them show interest in signing Peterson.

The Buccaneers and Giants could both use help at running back and were competitive in 2016.

The Vikings aren’t expected to pick up Peterson’s $18 million team option by paying him the $6 million roster bonus he’s owed on March 11. However, it’s still possible that they could renegotiate his deal to ensure that he remains in Minnesota for the 2017 season.

Peterson did say that he would like to play another five years or so in the NFL.

Peterson, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He’s currently in the second year of his three-year, $44 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $7.75 million for the 2016 season.

The Vikings will owe Peterson a base salary of $11.75 million in 2017 to go along with a $6 million roster bonus that’s due in March.

In 2016, Peterson has rushed for 72 yards on 37 carries (1.9 YPC) to go along with three receptions for eight yards receiving and no touchdowns over the course of three games.