Itâd been coming for a while now, but on Thursday, the news was finally made official. Adrian Peterson, the Vikingsâ all-time leading rusher, wonât return to Minnesota.
General manager Rick Spielman said so Thursday after he signed ex-Raiders running back Latavius Murray to replace Peterson.
"With us signing (Latavius) Murray, Adrian will move on elsewhere." - GM Rick Spielman
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 16, 2017
"Adrian is probably going to go down as one of the greatest Vikings." - GM Rick Spielman
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 16, 2017
This shouldnât come as a shock to anyone. At the end of February, the Vikings declined to pick up his 2017 contract option, which made him a free agent. Peterson went on to visit the Seahawks (who ended up signing Eddie Lacy) while his father insulted the Vikingsâ offensive line. When the Vikings signed Murray late Wednesday night, they unofficially moved on from Peterson. And it didnât take long for the breakup to become official.
Peterson leaves Minnesota as the franchiseâs best running back. From 2007-16, Peterson rushed for 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns -- both of which rank first in the Vikingsâ record books. He was so dominant that Murray refused to keep his No. 28 uniform out of respect for Peterson.
His future, however, is murky. Heâll turn 32 later this month and is coming off a three-game season that included 1.9 yards per carry and a torn meniscus. Heâs reportedly interested in playing for the Raiders.
