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          Adrian Peterson wouldn't be an easy fit with Texans

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          What is next for Peterson? (2:08)

          Ed Werder breaks down the Vikings' decision to not exercise Adrian Peterson's option and lists some teams that could be a fit for the All-Pro RB. (2:08)

          • Sarah Barshop, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 28, 2017, 08:11 PM
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              Sarah Barshop covers the Los Angeles Rams for ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2016 to cover the Green Bay Packers for ESPN Milwaukee. She then moved to Houston to cover the Texans. She came to ESPN after working as a writer and editor for Sports Illustrated. You can follow her on Twitter @sarahbarshop.
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          HOUSTON -- In a January appearance on First Take, running back Adrian Peterson mentioned the Houston Texans as one of the teams he would consider playing for if the Minnesota Vikings released him during the offseason.

          On Tuesday, Minnesota did just that, opting not to exercise the 2017 option on his contract that would have paid him $18 million next season. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Tuesday that the team will “continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open,” but Peterson will certainly test the free-agent market as well.

          Peterson is from Palestine, Texas, but Houston doesn’t necessarily have a need at running back. The Texans signed running back Lamar Miller to a four-year, $26 million contract a year ago, and although he missed two games last season, he finished the year with 1,073 yards on 268 carries with 5 touchdowns. He also added 31 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown.

          The Texans will likely have a competition for Miller's backup during offseason workouts and training camp, but Houston already had Alfred Blue on the roster, backing up Miller last season. Peterson will likely also command a salary more than the Texans are willing to pay a backup.

          During the Super Bowl, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins told the Pioneer Press that he would welcome Peterson to Houston.

          “Who wouldn’t want Adrian Peterson?” Hopkins said. “We’ve got [running back] Lamar Miller here, but I don’t think Lamar Miller would be opposed to having Adrian Peterson helping out in the backfield.”

          Still, the Texans only have $26 million in cap space and have to focus on re-signing important players of their own before dipping into the free-agent market, most notably cornerback A.J. Bouye. Houston is also looking for quarterback help after Brock Osweiler struggled last season and may need to spend some money there. Hopkins is also likely to get a big contract extension this offseason.

          If Peterson were to want to join the Texans this offseason, he would likely have to take a bigger discount compared to the contracts he will likely be offered elsewhere.