Fansided
Fansided

NFL Free Agency: Oakland Raiders a Landing Spot for Adrian Peterson?

By George Stockburger

January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Rice quarterback Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders (4), running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28), and wide receiver Amari Cooper of the Oakland Raiders (89) pose for a photo during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Rice quarterback Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders (4), running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28), and wide receiver Amari Cooper of the Oakland Raiders (89) pose for a photo during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Adrian Peterson will become a monster name on the NFL free agency market

To little surprise to anyone aware of the Vikings cap situation, future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson was notified the team would not utilize the option in his contract.

In a crop of free agent running backs that includes Jamaal Charles, LeGarrette Blount, Latavius Murray, and Eddie Lacy Peterson could stand out from the rest. Despite playing only four games in 2014 and 2016 combined Peterson looks to have a couple more years left in him.

Peterson’s release causes many to wonder where he could ultimately land going forward. The running back has made his desire to start for a playoff team clear, trimming down the fat built up by low-level teams such as Cleveland.

More from NFL Mocks

Oakland fits the bill as a place where Peterson can compete for a championship right away and become the starter. Murray was highlighted earlier as one of the top free agents in this years class, and the Raiders can not afford to fork out many long-term deals.

Derek Carr and Khalil Mack will be entering next season with their hands out and expect franchise-changing money. Oakland will use Mack’s fifth-year option, but will not have that luxury when it comes to Carr, a former second round pick.

With approximately $49 million in cap space (ninth most in the league) the Raiders could potentially offer Peterson a front-loaded contract that allows him to earn his money and keep the two young stars with the silver and black.

Back-up Peterson with a combination of DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard, or a mid-round draft pick and the Raiders are set to compete for another playoff run.

Home/NFL Free Agency