The Jacksonville Jaguars could use some help in their backfield. Toby Gerhart didn't pan out as a free agent signing last year and despite the fantastic nickname Denard "Shoestring" Robinson is best suited for a complimentary role. Overall, the Jags finished just 21st in rushing offense last year (102.1 yards per game). If Jacksonville hopes to develop Blake Bortles into a franchise quarterback, they are going to have to build a solid run game to support him.
That, plus the team's abundance of cap space, is why Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson should be on the team's radar.
"It'll be interesting to see if any team succumbs to the lure of Peterson," MMQB's Peter King wrote. "Arizona and Dallas are still the leaders in the clubhouse, but I've talked to both teams in recent weeks, and I don't think either will be held hostage for Peterson. If he's going to get traded, I don't see it happening under these circumstances. I see Dallas or Arizona - or my upset special, Jacksonville, still awash in cap money - making this deal only if Peterson can make the financials easer on them, and if the Vikings are willing to take a lesser pick for him. For now, I don't think the Vikings are willing to do that. And so it's a stalemate."
Peterson's deal calls for him to make $45 million over the next three seasons, including $12.75 million in base salary and a $15 million cap hit in 2015. The Jaguars currently lead the league in remaining salary cap space with more than $32 million. They would easily be able to absorb Peterson's contract, especially if he were to agree to a restructure.
Nabbing Peterson would mark a bit of an offensive renaissance for the Jaguars. The team has put together an impressive array of young pass catchers from the draft (Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee) and free agency (Julius Thomas). Adding Peterson to the mix may be a final step in surrounding Bortles with the necessary offensive talent that he needs to develop.
