According to Mike Wells of ESPN, the Indianapolis Colts, just like any other NFL team in desperate need of a running back, are closely monitoring Adrian Peterson‘s cloudy future with the Minnesota Vikings:
Colts keeping options open, including keeping an eye on Adrian Peterson's situation, when it comes to running back http://t.co/4tCl1CXZwS
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) February 24, 2015
Of course, this just seems like the team performing its due diligence more than anything, rather then there being something actually imminent between the two parties. After all, despite his off-the-field controversy, Peterson probably remains one of the best running backs in the NFL. He’s just one year removed from a season with the Vikings in which he rushed for 1,266 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts are actively looking for a starting caliber running back through either free agency or the draft this offseason. Longtime San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore has been previously linked to the Colts, and earlier today, we discussed some attractive running back prospects in this year’s upcoming NFL Draft.
As an incredibly physical running back, Peterson, even at a soon-to-be age 30 in March, would figure to give the Colts a tremendous rushing presence in between the tackles and would make life so much easier for QB Andrew Luck in the passing game.
However, while it’s fun to dream at this juncture, there’s still quite a bit that has to be resolved regarding Peterson. It’s clear though that Peterson does not want to return to the Vikings, as he said he’s “uneasy” about coming back to the only organization he’s ever known. However, tensions truly reached a boiling point when at this past weekend’s NFL Draft Combine, Peterson’s agent Ben Dogra reportedly had to be restrained from Vikings VP of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski in a heated exchange.
That being said, Peterson is still suspended indefinitely by the NFL, with the earliest that he can be reinstated being April 15th. Until then, Colts fans will just have to wait patiently to see if he’s ultimately released or traded if he actually never plays in a Minnesota Vikings uniform again.
Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) leaves the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The Vikings won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports