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          Patriots and RB Adrian Peterson seem to be an unlikely pairing

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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)

          • Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff WriterFeb 28, 2017, 07:10 PM
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              Mike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. You can follow Reiss on Twitter at @MikeReiss.
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          FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Shortly after it was officially announced Tuesday that the Minnesota Vikings wouldn't be picking up running back Adrian Peterson's option, thus making him a free agent, odds popped into my mailbox for the most likely team Peterson would sign with for 2017.

          The New England Patriots were sixth on the list.

          The Twitter inbox also generated some buzz.

          When assessing the possibility, the obvious first thing to do is assess the current personnel at running back for the Patriots: Dion Lewis, James White and D.J. Foster all return in 2017, while top power option LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden (more of a special-teams presence) are unrestricted free agents.

          So the Patriots will be signing, re-signing and/or drafting a running back this offseason. That's a given.

          Peterson, though, would fall into the long-shot category from this viewpoint.

          Mainly, I don't see the Patriots extending themselves financially for that need, especially when this year's draft is considered deep at the position. So, projecting that Peterson will have a market significantly north of the veteran minimum, it would surprise me if the Patriots are in the mix.

          Then there is the issue of pass protection, which is critical for running backs in the Patriots' system. Peterson is a liability in that area, which is usually a non-starter for the Patriots.