Adrian Peterson Too Expensive for LA Rams?

With the expected franchise tagging of cornerback Trumaine Johnson, the Los Angeles Rams may be hamstrung to chase a big-name free agent such as Adrian Peterson.

NFL.com reported that the Minnesota Vikings have elected not to exercise the 2017 option on Peterson’s contract, making the running back an unrestricted free agent on March 9.

While it may seem foolhardy to consider the Rams to be a candidate for Peterson’s services, USA Today’s RamsWire posted a story about the possibility of the Vikings star tailback venturing out to Southern California.

The Rams may be in the market for a complementary piece to Todd Gurley as Benny Cunningham’s impending free agency.

While Peterson may be a wishful thinking addition only, several other marquee running backs are set to hit the market.

The Oakland Raiders’ Latavius Murray, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles, the New England Patriots’ LeGarrette Blount and the Green Bay Packers’ Eddie Lacy are among the pool of talent available.

There is one name on the list that could be an intriguing option for the Rams. He’s a veteran that already understands the role of a backup and could be a much cheaper option than some of the aforementioned backs:

DeAngelo Williams.

The Pittsburgh Steelers backup to all-world LeVeon Bell enjoyed a fruitful career as a starter for the Carolina Panthers before moving on to Pittsburgh. He would have valuable insight that would be of great interest in the mentorship of Gurley’s quest to become one of the preeminent runners in the NFL.

Injury is a concern as the 33-year-old Williams missed nearly half a season last year due to a knee injury. But he has filled in admirably for Bell the last two seasons, scoring in the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots when Bell went out with a hamstring injury.

Williams also would add the type of experience that would benefit the entire Los Angeles locker room.