Vikings, Peterson appear set to part

Time is running out for Adrian Peterson and the Vikings to work out a way for the venerable running back to stay in Minnesota, but the sides have not spoken about a path to a future if there’s even a mutual desire for it. General manager Rick Spielman sounded Thursday a little like he was eulogizing the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.

“In my mind, regardless of whether Adrian is here or not here next year because of whatever happens, he will always be a Minnesota Viking,” Spielman said.

Two weeks before the deadline for picking up his contract at a cost of $18 million for 2017, Spielman said Peterson’s status has not been decided.

“Until I talk to Adrian and talk to his agent, I’m not going to announce anything. But that will get addressed here before free agency starts,” he said.

Broncos: Russell Okung signed what basically was a one-year tryout deal with Denver, with only his $8 million salary in 2016 guaranteed. He needed to have a big year to trigger the final four years and $48 million. He didn’t, and Thursday the Broncos informed the former first-round pick they wouldn’t be picking up his option next month that would have guaranteed him another $21 million.

Buccaneers: Released cornerback Alterraun Verner, 28, after three seasons. Verner was a high-priced free agent in 2014, leaving Tennessee for a four-year, $25.5 million contact. Tampa Bay will save $6.5 million in salary-cap room with the move.

Jets: Released veteran tackle Breno Giacomini and kicker Nick Folk. The moves will save them about $7.5 million, $3 million for Folk and $4.5 million for Giacomini.

Hall of Fame game:

Dallas and Arizona will play in the Hall of Fame game Aug. 3 with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner being inducted into the Hall this year. For the first time, the game will be played on a Thursday night, two days before the induction ceremony.