By John Sarianides

The Minnesota Vikings signed free agent running back Latavius Murray to a three year deal late last night. Murray’s signing means that the Vikings are not going to re-sign franchise rushing leader Adrian Peterson to a new deal. AP’s career in Minnesota is over.

Peterson has rushed for 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns in his career thus far. He has averaged 95.5 yards rushing per game. There is no doubt that Peterson will go down as arguably the greatest Minnesota Viking of all time and one of the greatest running backs of all time. 

So, what’s next for AP? Peterson has encountered a luke warm market thus far. Teams have not shown much interest in his services. The only teams remotely linked to him have been the Seahawks and Raiders. Peterson visited with the Seahawks last week. He also acknowledged publicly that he would consider taking less money to play for the Patriots. 

The reality is, it is hard to find work as a 32 year old running back in the NFL. It doesn’t matter who you are. To quote Bill Parcells. Once the tread wears off the tire, you could never get it back. Peterson is not the same back he was two years ago never mind four years ago. He might be in peak physical shape but the burst and the ability to separate in the open field just isn’t there anymore. 

I still think some team will take a flyer on Peterson and it very could be the Oakland Raiders. Regardless of where he ends up, AP will always be rememdered as a Viking. He will go into Canton as a Viking someday. In the meantime, he still wants to play. The desire is there with Peterson but it remains to be seen if he has enough left in the tank to be a starting running back. 

Either way you look at it. It will be weird not seeing Peterson in the purple and black next season.