For the past decade, when you talk about the most dynamic running backs in the NFL the two names that are sure to come up are Jamaal Charles and Adrian Peterson.
Unless it was yesterday.
Because while both of their names came up, it was to talk about two legends who were let go by their teams.
The Chiefs released Charles yesterday while the Vikings chose not to pick up their option on Peterson. Meaning AP becomes an unrestricted free agent on March 9.
And neither was a surprise as the money each would have been owed far outweighed the numbers they were putting up on the field.
Had Minnesota picked up Peterson’s 2017 option they would have needed to pay him $18-million, including a $6-million roster bonus, had he been on the roster on the third day of the new league year.
"It's been a great 10 years with the Minnesota Vikings," Peterson said. "They know what I bring to the organization as a player, with my work ethic and dedication. I spoke with [Vikings GM] Rick Spielman this past weekend. The door is still open to find some common ground. I understand addressing the offensive line is one of their main priorities this offseason.”
And while that sounds nice, there’s no point bringing him back when even AP knows the team needs to spend that money on an offensive line to block whatever younger running back they do bring in.
PHOTO: Andy Lyons