Even though he’s among the best running backs in NFL history, free agency isn’t unfolding in ideal fashion for seven-time Pro Bowler Adrian Peterson. The careerlong Viking is drawing far less interest on the open market than Jamaal Charles, another highly accomplished, over-30 rusher, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link via Chris Wesseling of NFL.com).
Since Wednesday, four teams that could potentially sign Peterson – the Texans, Patriots, Raiders and Seahawks – have shown little to no interest in adding the 31-year-old. He could conceivably return to the running back-needy Vikings, who drafted him in 2007, but they’re now in on a longtime rival, free agent Eddie Lacy, who spent the first four years of his career in Green Bay.
As is the case with Peterson, Charles has been an elite back throughout his career. But the nine-year Chief dealt with serious knee injuries over the past two seasons and combined for just eight appearances as a result. In three games in 2016, Charles only totaled 12 carries. Nevertheless, his market is more robust than Peterson’s. And while the Seahawks don’t want AP, they are primed to visit with Charles next week.