By John Sarianides

The thought of Adrian Peterson in a Packers uniform makes no sense on so many levels. It is the same way I felt about Brett Favre in a Vikings uniform. That visual came to fruition. I don’t see Peterson in a Packers uniform happening anytime soon.

The Packers reportedly discussed meeeting with Peterson and his representives but decided that his $8 million dollar a season contract demand was too rich for their taste. I can’t say I am surprised that the normally thrifty Packers would balk at that asking price, but other teams have as well.

Peterson is not the same player he was two years ago. He is in decline. Part of his decline at the beginning of last season was due in part to a pourous offensive line. Two major knee injuries in four years and age have also factored into Peterson’s sudden decline.

Aside from the fact that I can’t envision Peterson in a Packers uniform, he is also not a scheme fit. The Packers are similar to the Patriots in that they run quarterback centered offenses that feature a lot of 10, 11 and 12 personnel formations. Peterson is a better fit in a two back system with a fullback in front of him. The Packers will on occasion line up in 21 personnel and pound the ball but other teams do it more. 

Another reason Peterson is a bad fit for the Packers is because he will demand carries. He still has to be the focal point of the offense. In Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers is still the focal point of the offense and will be for a while.

I do still think Peterson can still be productive in a time share situation where he is the featured back. Peterson could make it work in Green Bay but it would be on the Packers terms, not his. AP has too much pride to let that happen. He is going to wait it out for a better offer and a better fit. 

Until then, I will continue to try and make sense of the thought of Peterson in a Packers uniform. I still can’t wrap my brain around it.