Buccaneers Possibility For Adrian Peterson?

It might be time to add the Buccaneers to the list of possible landing spots for free agent Adrian Peterson. The running back worked out with Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston on Tuesday, and head coach Dirk Koetter then told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times he’s “anxious to talk to Jameis and ask him how his workouts went.”

Koetter also called Peterson “one of the best running backs to ever play,” which is obviously true. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old Peterson hasn’t encountered much legitimate interest on the market since the Vikings declined his contract option in late February. Minnesota could have subsequently brought Peterson back for less, but it instead signed Latavius Murray. Conversely, the Lions and Giants haven’t ruled out a Peterson pursuit, though nothing seems to be brewing between the seven-time Pro Bowler and either team.

Interestingly, Peterson indicated in January, when he was still a Viking, that he had the Buccaneers on his radar. Tampa Bay could have a need in the backfield, too, as it only has “loose plans” for starter Doug Martin heading into 2017. Martin earned a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs toward the end of last year and will have to sit the first three contests of next season as a result. The ban also turned Martin’s $7MM salary from guaranteed to non-guaranteed, meaning Tampa Bay could easily move on from him if it wants.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen as I sit here today, but right now we’ve got time on our side,” Koetter said regarding Martin’s future.

Aside from Martin, who’s only two years removed from earning first-team All-Pro status, the Buccaneers’ running back depth chart features Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims, neither of whom has ever been a bell cow. Peterson, on the other hand, has eight 200-carry seasons to his name. As was the case with Martin, Peterson was excellent in 2015, when he led the NFL in both rushing attempts (327) and yards (1,485). However, a torn meniscus limited him to three games and 37 carries last year, when he averaged a microscopic 1.9 yards per rush. The injury, Peterson’s most recent performance and his age have all conspired to prevent him from landing a contract this offseason.