The Minnesota Vikings declined to exercise the $18 million option on Adrian Peterson's contract for 2017. Peterson will hit the open market at 4 p.m. ET March 9 when free agency opens, and his options could be limited. Here’s a closer look at what the interest might be in the three-time rushing champion:

Dallas Cowboys: The sliver of a chance for Peterson to join the Cowboys is tied to Ezekiel Elliott's immediate future. The NFL continues to investigate domestic violence claims against Elliott from last year with commissioner Roger Goodell saying there was no timeline for a decision. Read more

Green Bay Packers: If Peterson’s time in Minnesota is over, maybe the Packers should finally explore signing an ex-Vikings player. And not just to get back at the Vikings for signing Hall of Famer Brett Favre. Read more

Houston Texans: The Texans have only $26 million in cap space and have to focus on re-signing important players of their own. If Peterson were to want to join the Texans, he likely would have to take a bigger discount compared to the contracts he likely will be offered elsewhere. Read more

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs certainly fit some of Peterson's criteria. They finished 9-7 last season, just narrowly missing the playoffs, with a defense that made a huge midseason turnaround. They have a young quarterback in Jameis Winston, who appears poised to take the next step in his third season and a dazzling young receiver in Mike Evans, who is coming off a Pro Bowl year. Tampa Bay also has almost $70 million in cap space, fourth-most in the NFL. Read more

New England Patriots: Projecting that Peterson will have a market significantly north of the veteran minimum, it would be surprising if the Patriots are in the mix. Read more

New York Giants: Peterson would be a high-upside signing for the Giants, given that he’s proven capable before of returning from serious injury and thriving. Age and injuries eventually catch up to every NFL player. It just might take a little longer for it to happen to a physical freak such as Peterson. There still should be something left in his tank. Read more

Oakland Raiders: Make no mistake, Derek Carr and Khalil Mack are the faces of the franchise, but with coach Jack Del Rio decrying the lack of “big-boy ball” from the running game at times last season, Peterson would give the Raiders rushing attack a decidedly adult look. Read more

Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll made it clear in January that getting the run game back on track will be a priority for the Seahawks this offseason. But committing money to Peterson and taking a risk on a 31-year-old running back (who turns 32 in March) is not the move to fix Seattle’s running game. Read more