2016 Minnesota Vikings positional evaluation: Running backs
By Adam Carlson
Adrian Peterson
12 million dollars. That’s the sum of money the Minnesota Vikings paid Adrian Peterson during the 2016 NFL season. Sadly, that money is more based on his football past and accomplishments rather than his recent production and future potential.
Peterson only played in 3 games this season because of an injury to his knee, but even when he was healthy, he was largely ineffective. With an abysmal 1.9 yards per carry and 2.7 yards per reception, good things did not happen when the ball was in their star player’s hands.
72 rushing yards and 8 receiving yards with 0 touchdowns and one fumble lost is not a great statistical line for the running back who will be 32 for the Vikings 2017 season. However, Peterson was never really able to get going this season to see if those numbers could have been greatly improved with a larger sample.
The debate about whether or not Adrian Peterson should return for the 2017 season is one that will be heavily debated. His $18 million price tag can be removed with no penalty by the Vikings if they cut him by March 11th. The big question is just how much gas the Vikings think he has left in the tank.