Adrian Peterson has been one of the league's very best backs for close to a decade. But age catches up to everyone, and that's probably one of the reasons that Peterson is currently unemployed. That and perhaps money, and the reality that Peterson isn't a fit for every team.
When the Vikings signed Latavius Murray away from Oakland, I thought that perhaps the Raiders would move to sign Peterson. But they're reportedly more interested in luring Marshawn Lynch out of retirement than signing Peterson -- ouch.
Peterson turns 32 this week, and although he's expressed interest in playing for Oakland, they haven't indicated a mutual one. Hard to believe that in 2015 he rushed for over 1,400 yards and 11 TDs for a playoff team and now he's not drawing much interest, but that's the NFL.
Very possible he's looking for too much money, and there might be the belief his body is broken down. He played in only three games last year and averaged 1.9 yards per carry. And if he's not the same explosive workhorse ballcarrier, his limitations become more significant. He's not a good receiver, and fumbles have always been an issue.
Peterson has fumbled at least 4 times in six of his eight full seasons -- 36 total in those six campaigns. Last year there were two feature backs with more than 4 fumbles: Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson, each with 5 (while touching the ball more than 350 times apiece). Peterson's history in that area is probably at least one reason why teams may be unwilling him to add him to the roster.
So where will Peterson end up? Oakland is still a possibility, if the Lynch stories end up going away. But I'm thinking at this point he won't sign until after the draft, and possibly not until July, right before training camps open. There just doesn't seem to be a clear interest at the moment.
--Andy Richardson