Every team in need of a running back is likely doing their due diligence on the Adrian Peterson situation in Minnesota. A mutual split between the two would not be entirely unexpected at this point, with both sides reportedly very far apart. If Peterson does become available, an all-out bidding war will likely ensue. If that happens, the Indianapolis Colts should use total warfare and do whatever it takes to land AP.
The Colts have the need. They have the money (roughly $42 million in salary cap space). And, most importantly, they have the organizational mindset to make such a bold and risky move.
"Colts general manager Ryan Grigson is a risk taker and Peterson is definitely worth the risk when you look at what he's done throughout his career," ESPN Colts reporter Mike Wells wrote. "Peterson is averaging 5.0 yards a carry and has rushed for 86 touchdowns in his eight year career. He was suspended and placed on the commissioner's exempt list for all but one game last season. He pleaded no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless injury for disciplining his son last May."
The Colts could look to the upcoming NFL draft for running back help. Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Georgia's Todd Gurley are attractive options. But despite the pair's high upside, you just never know when it comes to draft picks and young players. It's not as if the Trent Richardson trade panned out well for Indy. Unlike those other running backs, Peterson is a known and proven commodity.
"I think you have to have a running game in this league, especially in December and January," Grigson said. "You have to have a running game and we have to work hard at achieving that and implementing that and having the right players involved that can execute this system. I think that, while it's an important position group, I can sit here and tell you there's a lot of position groups that we need to improve on to win a Super Bowl. You're sitting at a great vantage point after you lose, or while you're losing, and things get magnified. Those warts become very magnified when you're getting your tail kicked or when you're sitting there watching the Super Bowl and seeing how the elite teams do it."
Richardson is on his way out of Indianapolis, Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent, Vick Ballard is coming off two serious leg injuries and Daniel Herron is best suited for a complementary role. The Colts have counted on quarterback Andrew Luck to perform at otherworldly levels through his first three seasons. It's about time they start relying on some other players to help the team get to the Super Bowl. Peterson could be that guy.
