Teams around the NFL were officially allowed to begin negotiating with this year’s crop of free-agents on Tuesday and plenty of rumors are already swirling.
Tuesday, March 7 marked the beginning of the 2017 NFL free agency extravaganza as teams became allowed to negotiate contract terms with players who are expected to become unrestricted free-agents this offseason. However, no deals can be made official until after 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 9.
Among the players from the Minnesota Vikings’ 2016 roster that are scheduled to become free-agents on Thursday, running back Adrian Peterson and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson seemed to be generating the most buzz on Tuesday.
Peterson’s name has been associated with a bunch of teams since the Vikings declined his 2017 contract option last week and it was no different on Tuesday.
When I talked to Adrian Peterson dad last week he brought up Patriots on his own as possible landing spot I'd say Adrian would be intrigued
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 7, 2017
From @greggrosenthal
— NFL Media (@NFLMedia) March 7, 2017
- Adrian Peterson to TB
- Jamaal Charles to PHI
- LeGarrette Blount to DET
- Latavius Murray to MIN
- Eddie Lacy to OAK
#Raiders QB Derek Carr just said on @espn if RB Latavius Murray finds a home elsewhere he wld be open to the idea of Adrian Peterson in Oak.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 7, 2017
Vikings making a strong push to re-sign Adrian Peterson; Bears interested in Ricky Wagner - https://t.co/egTGSe64fK
— Walter Cherepinsky (@walterfootball) March 7, 2017
As one can see, a handful of teams (including Minnesota) seem to be in play to land Peterson. The Vikings re-signing the running back still seems like a long shot at this point due to his fit in the team’s current offensive scheme and his unwillingness to take a lesser role.
Peterson to the New England Patriots would be intriguing as most should expect Bill Belichick to fully utilize the abilities that the running back still has at almost 32-years-old. Although, the Patriots have also failed at times in the past when taking a chance on an aging player like wide receiver Chad Johnson, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and cornerback Shawn Springs.
As for Patterson, he seems to already be drawing real interest from some teams outside of Minnesota.
Not sure if out there but source tells @sn_nfl that @ChicagoBears expected to make push to sign @Vikings UFA WR @ceeflashpee84
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 7, 2017
While some who cover the Vikings for a living do not believe that the wide receiver will be returning to Minnesota for the 2017 season.
I'd be surprised if Cordarrelle Patterson is back. He rightfully wants to get a nice contract and I'm not sure the #Vikings will offer one. https://t.co/2vXUaIzRWL
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) March 7, 2017
It is unfortunate, but Patterson may just become too pricey for the Vikings to retain him this offseason. He has become a valuable asset for them on special teams during his time with Minnesota, but the wide receiver has never really developed into the type of weapon on offense that the Vikings were hoping for back when they drafted him in 2013.
Next: Vikings re-sign offensive lineman
Finding a new kick returner could become a struggle for Minnesota if Patterson decides to sign elsewhere, but making up for his “production” on offense would not be a problem for the Vikings next season.