Seahawks rumors: Adrian Peterson reportedly interested in Seattle, wants to play with Darrell Bevell again

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is free to be courted by NFL teams for the first time in his career, but it appears that he’s the first one to do the courting. NFL Network’s Stacey Dales reported on Tuesday that a source close to Peterson says he’s interested in the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders. That doesn’t mean there aren’t more teams he’d be down to run for, but it’s interesting that the Seahawks are already being mentioned.

Peterson missed all but three games last season with an injury and virtually all of 2014 due to an incident in which he was charged with reckless or negligent injury to a child after he beat his 4-year-old son with a switch. He returned in 2015 to lead the NFL in carries and rushing yards.

I believe that Peterson is still capable of playing in the NFL at a high level and his lack of playing time in the last three years should only increase his longevity in the league. His off-field issues with his family is something that every owner, GM, coach, and fan will have to reconcile on their own moral belief system. If he joined the Seahawks, Peterson would have to accept a reduced role as Thomas Rawls has proven that he has the potential to be a superstar and could be better than Peterson at this point. He’d also have to take a serious paycut, but I don’t think that would be an issue; if Peterson is mentioning Seattle as a destination, then the only thing on his mind is the Super Bowl.

If he goes to the Raiders, Peterson would get more money, more playing time, and oddly enough still have a decent shot at a Super Bowl ring. He’d also be playing behind one of the best offensive lines instead of one of the worst — that being said, the Seahawks are a far more proven team at rushing the ball under Carroll than Oakland is under anyone. We will apparently know more about the situation by Tuesday night. Peterson was released so I believe he is free to sign before Thursday afternoon, when free agency is officially open.

Update: Chris Tomasson of the St Paul Pioneer Press is quoting Peterson’s dad as saying that he’s interested in Seattle because of his relationship with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. This is getting real.