Adrian Peterson

Free agent Adrian Peterson not in Buccaneers' plans

Free agent running back Adrian Peterson "is definitely not in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' plans," Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

What It Means:

Apparently in solidarity with Peterson's caps-riddled statement last Saturday, Stroud wrote the "not" in all-caps. A picture showing Peterson working out with Tampa quarterback Jameis Winston started speculation the Bucs could be interested in AP, and head coach Dirk Koetter added fuel to the fire by calling Peterson "one of the best running backs to ever play" when asked about the photo. Tampa Bay also needs a running back with Doug Martin set to miss the first three games due to suspension, but they will likely turn to a cheaper, younger option in the draft. Peterson has yet to draw any concrete interest.

There were 88 running backs to notch at least 30 rushing attempts last year. Peterson earned -0.39 Rushing Net Expected Points per attempt, by far the worst rate among that group.