Adrian Peterson wants to stay in Minnesota, but named potential suitors if he doesn’t

The future of Adrian Peterson is going to be one of the main talking points of the NFL offseason. He’s spent 10 years with the Vikings, but could be heading toward free agency when the new league year begins.

Peterson essentially told ESPN that he doesn’t expect to go anywhere.

“I see myself finishing off in purple. It is a business at the end of the day, so with that, things could end up differently,” Peterson said on First Take. “Hopefully we can work things out.”

Of course, if Peterson were to leave Minnesota, he wants to go to a contender. He specifically mentioned three possible landing spots: the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans. However, Peterson also added, “I’m just throwing random names out there.”

He’s going to be 32 next season, and the lifespan of running backs tends to be shorter than other skill positions due to the wear and tear on their bodies.

Peterson suffered a torn meniscus on his right knee in Week 2, and came back late in the season to play just one more game. Despite past injuries, Peterson has shown that he’s able to come back from them in amazing fashion.

The 2017 league year starts on March 9 at 4 p.m. ET, and the Vikings have until then to decide on his option for that season. He has an $11.75 million base salary and a $6 million roster bonus. The two sides could also restructure his deal, which would likely mean he could finish his career with the Vikings.

With all of that said, let’s take a look at suitors in the case that he does leave Minnesota.

Pros: If playing at his best, Peterson could be an upgrade at the position. In his last healthy season in 2015, he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns. Not many other backs in the league can do that, regardless of age. The division is pretty weak, and he’d also likely enjoy being with the Texans, considering that he’s from Texas.

Cons: The Texans don’t necessarily need a running back with Lamar Miller on their roster, and he’s set through 2019. He dealt with a couple of injuries this year, but still rushed for over 1,000 yards in 14 games. He’s going to be 26 next season, and youth at the running back position is good to have.

Pros: Peterson might give them some stability at the position. Doug Martin, while having shown he’s capable of top-tier seasons at the position, has put together just two full seasons in five years in the league. Most of that is due to injuries, but he was also suspended for violating the NFL’s PED policy. The team could void the guaranteed part of his contract because of the suspension.

Having consistency in the backfield would also benefit Jameis Winston and his development.

Cons: Though the Buccaneers took a big step in the right direction this season, they haven’t been to the postseason since 2007. The Bucs are also in the early stages of Martin’s contract, which takes him through 2020 if they decide to stick with him.

Pros: The Giants need a legitimate running threat in the backfield. The offense is equipped with a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Eli Manning (who might soon be on the decline) and an all-star group of receivers that includes Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and Sterling Shepard. Their leading rusher from last season, Rashad Jennings, is just as old as Peterson. They also have Paul Perkins, who just finished a promising rookie campaign. The Giants could move on from Jennings and add Peterson to that equation and that, along with a defense that played out of its mind toward the end of the season, equals a team that could do serious damage in the NFC.

Cons: Head coach Ben McAdoo and the Giants don’t run an offense that fits his style. The Giants offense is more fast-paced and aimed at attacking the defense, as opposed to running the football. Many formations feature at least three wide receivers on every play, spreading things out and leaving plenty of screen passes for running backs. Sure, adjustments would be made for a player of Peterson’s talent, but they can’t be that much different. SB Nation’s Giants blog Big Blue View also points out the team probably wouldn’t be willing to pay Peterson what he wants, and would prefer to upgrade blocking.

All of these, of course, are hypotheticals. Peterson and the Vikings probably won’t split. He’s one of those talents and players where the franchise he’s been with his entire career is going to ensure that the hometown favorite is there to stay through the end of his career. He’s proven to still be effective when healthy, and surely fans in Minnesota would love to see him back.