Peterson rattles off wish list of teams
Texans, Giants, Bucs named
Feel that? It’s the NFL’s off-season machine starting to chug and churn and quickly pick up steam.
It wasn’t talk of Tony Romo’s potential landing spot this time, though, or the Tyrod Taylor saga, Jimmy Garoppolo trade rumours, Kirk Cousins’ contract status or the NFL draft.
On this day, Adrian Peterson had the stage all to himself. The soon-to-be 32-year-old Minnesota Vikings running back seems to have no trouble envisioning himself in a different uniform next season, despite playing all 10 of his NFL seasons in purple.
But whether he stays in Minnesota or not may not be his choice unless he’s willing to take a significant pay cut from the US$18 million he’s owed in 2017. The Vikings have less than two months to decide what to do with him with US$6 million due in the form of a bonus on March 11.
During an ESPN appearance Thursday, Peterson specifically named the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans as teams he might like to play for if he and the Vikings can’t find common ground.
“If it doesn’t happen, a place where me and my family are comfortable, just an opportunity to compete for a championship,” said Peterson, who added that he wants to play five more seasons.
“My main goal that I want to accomplish is go somewhere where I can win a championship. With that, having a good defence, a team that has a good offensive scheme as well. a great coaching staff — that really helps.”
Despite coming off an injuryravaged season that saw him suit up in just three games and carry the ball 37 times for 72 yards, Peterson will draw interest on the open market — depending on price.
RECEIVER WATCH
The Green Bay Packers aren’t the only team monitoring a star receiver’s health this week. Atlanta Falcons playmaker Julio Jones (toe) continued to sit out practice Thursday, but continued to insist he’ll play Sunday.
Meanwhile, Jordy Nelson practised without pads for the Packers, while Davante Adams (ankle) and Geronimo Allison (hamstring) sat out completely.
Asked about the injuries to his pass-catchers, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said in the regular season, “I would think none of them would play. But this is the playoffs.”
FLU BUG HITS IN PITT
A flu bug seems to be sweeping through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker-room. But head coach Mike Tomlin said it won’t be used as an excuse this weekend against the New England Patriots.
“We’re not making excuses,” he said. “There won’t be. We’ll be there. We’ll be ready to play. This is just part of normal things that happen over the course of a season.”
A number of players have missed practice, including running back Le’Veon Bell, who was excused from Thursday’s session for personal reasons.