Should the Falcons Try to Get Adrian Peterson?
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks away from Washington Redskins linebacker London Fletcher (59) during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Redskins 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
According to reports, the Atlanta Falcons are in the mix to obtain the services of former MVP running back Adrian Peterson. The Vikings say that if they do trade him, it will be before the NFL Draft or not all all.
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Peterson still has three years left on his contract in Minnesota, but none of the money is guaranteed. He is not happy in his current situation, and ready to move. Peterson missed all but one game in 2014 amid child abuse allegations but has since been cleared to play again by the NFL.
If the Falcons could obtain Adrian Peterson, they’d be getting one the NFL’s best backs – a guy who has averaged over 1,500 yards when playing a full season. During his MVP year he ran for over 2,000 yards making him one of just seven players in NFL history to do so. On paper, it would look as if the Falcons have the best offense in the NFL if they were able to trade for him.
BUT – at what cost would this come?
Since the Vikings want a deal done prior to the NFL Draft it means they want draft picks. How much would the Falcons be willing to give up for Peterson?
All off-season the focus has been the defense for Atlanta. It hasn’t been good for a few years now, and with Dan Quinn taking over there is a renewed emphasis on that side of the ball. But at the same time, the Falcons also haven’t been able to run the ball for a few years now.
Part of the reason they haven’t been able to run the ball is because they hitched their wagon to a 30-year-old running back in Steven Jackson who didn’t have it in the tank anymore. Adrian Peterson just turned 30 last month.
This potential trade seems like a long-shot on the surface given the Falcons’ current circumstances. Maybe they could get creative with their draft picks by trading back to secure more 2nd-4th round picks while giving up the 1st pick to land Peterson. That’s about the only thing that would make sense, particularly if they don’t think there is a game-changing defensive end in this draft they can get at 8th overall.
If I’m the Falcons’ GM my interest here would be pretty mild. Running backs are a dime a dozen in the NFL, and while Peterson is certainly elite, the defense is still going to lose too many games to justify a mega trade to land him. If the Vikings are ready to cut ties then let’s do it, but if they want a King’s ransom no thanks.