Vikings Decline RB Adrian Peterson's Contract Option, Making Him A Free Agent

The Minnesota Vikings won't pick up the contract option of RB Adrian Peterson this year. The Vikings announced the move Tuesday. 

"Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization," Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said. "We will continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open while determining what is best for both parties moving forward."

Had the Vikings picked up the option, it would have counted $18 million against their cap. That simply wasn't going to happen. 

The Vikings could, and based on Spielman's comments, likely will try to re-sign the talented RB. Peterson will become an unrestricted free agent on March 9th.

If the Vikings don't re-sign Peterson, there will be interest around the NFL. Even though he's coming off an injury-plagued year that was perhaps his worst ever, he's only one year removed from leading the NFL in rushing. Among the teams that could be interested are the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders. 

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