New England Patriots provide best fit for former Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

The New England Patriots could provide former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson with what he needs to satisfy his desires for winning and longevity.

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is loose and headed for the east coast. The NFL’s three-time leading rusher is scheduled to visit the New England Patriots on Monday, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Although his career accolades are held in high regard, Peterson hasn’t received much attention in free agency thus far. However, his visit to New England could be his most promising yet.

Peterson is the last of a dying breed of bell cow running backs in the league. Rule changes in recent decades that protect the quarterback in the pocket and the wide receivers downfield have shifted offensive playbooks to focus on the passing game.

That is not to say that any team that centers its offense around a running game that Peterson can provide can’t have success. Adrian Peterson’s competitive advantage as a ground-and-pound back has earned him a lifetime of riches, but that skill alone is now obsolete.

As a 32-year old who has missed 28 of 47 games since Week 2 of the 2014 season, Peterson has overvalued himself in a running back by committee league that demands backfield versatility. Peterson is unable to buttress a team’s passing game, but, boy, can he run.

His shortcomings probably aren’t glaring enough for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to pass up. Instead, the five-time Super Bowl champion coach can maximize his players’ abilities while hiding their weaknesses. Indeed, the Patriots were able to endure four weeks without Tom Brady, eight weeks without tight end Rob Gronkowski, and season-long nagging injuries to wide receivers Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan on their way to another title.

Following last season, Peterson expressed his desire to play for a team that can contend for a championship. Foxborough, Massachusetts was not on his original wish list of destinations, but a Lombardi trophy is perennial offer in New England.

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The Patriots have six running backs on their active roster, but the team’s leading rusher last season, eight-year veteran LeGarrette Blount, is not expected to return as an unrestricted free agent. His absence could leave the majority of grind-it-out yards to a player like Peterson.

Blount rushed for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns last season on 3.9 yards per carry. His numbers are right near Peterson’s season-average numbers of 1,168.1 yards, 9.7 touchdowns, and 4.8 yards per carry.  Blount earned $1.5 million last season, his highest paying and most productive year of his career. Meanwhile, Peterson earned $12 million for a historically bad 2016. This disparity could be the reason a deal isn’t done.

Peterson’s rushing ability comes from his equally strong-willed personality. His regard for himself despite a 15-game suspension for charges of child abuse in 2014 and a 13-game furlough due to a torn meniscus in 2016 remains high as indicated by his asking price, reportedly near $8 million per year.

However, the chance to work with Belichick and Brady could be enough to convince Peterson to take a salary cap-friendly deal. Indeed the chance to work in a specialized role among the league’s best could be enough to ensure that his wish to play for five more seasons comes true.

Adrian Peterson’s career earnings have amounted to a personal net worth estimated near $20 million, according to Forbes. His wealth has allowed him to father nine children and host lavish birthday parties, but it hasn’t brought him to the zenith of a football career, a Super Bowl title.

Next: Vikings free agency tracker

When money is no object, it is then that the wildest dreams that are fulfilled.

Brad Omland is a contribute to The Viking Age. Follow him on Twitter: @bradradio.