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Running back Adrian Peterson is poised to become a free agent after the Minnesota Vikings declined his 2017 contract option on Tuesday. Check out some of the top upcoming unrestricted free agents in the following gallery.

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Running back Adrian Peterson is poised to become a free agent after the Minnesota Vikings declined his 2017 contract option on Tuesday. Check out some of the top upcoming unrestricted free agents in the

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Photo: Jamie Squire, Getty Images
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CB Prince Amukamara
 2016 team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Age: 27
2015 Stats: 49 total tackles (1 for loss), 6 passes defensed 

Notes: The former first-round pick isn't a game-changer, but he is a solid veteran cornerback who should see a decent market after settling for a one-year deal in Jacksonville last year. less
CB Prince Amukamara
 2016 team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Age: 27
2015 Stats: 49 total tackles (1 for loss), 6 passes defensed 

Notes: The former first-round pick isn't a game-changer, but he is a solid veteran ... more
Photo: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
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DT Chris Baker
2016 team: Washington Redskins 
Age: 29 
2015 Stats: 48 total tackles (7 for loss), 4.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles 

Notes: Baker is a scheme-diverse solid run defender with 39 starts over the last three years.

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DT Chris Baker
2016 team: Washington Redskins 
Age: 29 
2015 Stats: 48 total tackles (7 for loss), 4.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles 

Notes: Baker is a scheme-diverse solid run

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Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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RB Le'Veon Bell
2016 team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Age: 24 
2015 Stats: 261 rushes for 1,268 yards and 7 touchdowns; 75 receptions for 616 yards and 2 touchdowns 

Notes: Perhaps the best overall running back in the game when healthy, there's no chance Bell hits the open market. Look for him to get tagged if a long-term deal can't be worked out.

Update: The Steelers placed the exclusive franchise tag on Bell on Feb. 27.

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RB Le'Veon Bell
2016 team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Age: 24 
2015 Stats: 261 rushes for 1,268 yards and 7 touchdowns; 75 receptions for 616 yards and 2 touchdowns 

Notes: Perhaps the best overall running back in the

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Photo: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
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TE Martellus Bennett
 2016 team: New England Patriots
Age: 29 
2015 Stats: 55 receptions for 701 yards and 7 touchdowns 

Notes: After putting together a very good season while playing in place of an injured Rob Gronkowski for much of the year, Michael's brother could be heading to his fifth NFL stop in 2017. less
TE Martellus Bennett
 2016 team: New England Patriots
Age: 29 
2015 Stats: 55 receptions for 701 yards and 7 touchdowns 

Notes: After putting together a very good season while playing in place of an injured Rob ... more
Photo: Boston Globe/Boston Globe Via Getty Images
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S Eric Berry
 2016 team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 28 
2015 Stats: 77 total tackles (2 for loss), 4 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, forced fumble

Notes: The three-time first-team All-Pro said he wouldn't play under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, but a long-term deal might be tough for cash-strapped Kansas City.

Update: The Chiefs signed Berry to a reported six-year, $78 million extension on Feb. 28.
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S Eric Berry
 2016 team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 28 
2015 Stats: 77 total tackles (2 for loss), 4 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, forced fumble

Notes: The three-time first-team All-Pro said he wouldn't play ... more
Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
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CB A.J. Bouye
2016 team: Houston Texans
Age: 25 
2015 Stats: 62 total tackles (2 for loss), interception, 16 passes defensed, sack

Notes: The former undrafted free agent had a breakout campaign in a contract year in 2016, which could mean he's an ascendant star or buyer beware.

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CB A.J. Bouye
2016 team: Houston Texans
Age: 25 
2015 Stats: 62 total tackles (2 for loss), interception, 16 passes defensed, sack

Notes: The former undrafted free agent had a breakout campaign in a contract year

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Photo: Elsa/Getty Images
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DL Calais Campbell
 2016 team: Arizona Cardinals 
Age: 30 
2015 Stats: 53 total tackles (12 for loss), 8 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, interception, 6 passes defenses, 3 fumbles recovered

Notes: Campbell showed no signs of slowing down as he entered his 30s, and with both Chandler Jones and Tony Jefferson also unrestricted free agents, Arizona might not be able to afford him. less
DL Calais Campbell
 2016 team: Arizona Cardinals 
Age: 30 
2015 Stats: 53 total tackles (12 for loss), 8 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, interception, 6 passes defenses, 3 fumbles recovered

Notes: Campbell showed no ... more
Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
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QB Kirk Cousins
 2016 team: Washington Redskins
Age: 28 
2015 Stats: 406 of 606 passing for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions; 34 carries for 96 yards and 4 touchdowns

Notes: Cousins set a career high in passing yards and yards per attempt in 2016 while playing under the franchise tag. Expect a long-term deal to get done with Washington.

Update: The Redskins placed the exclusive franchise tag on Cousins on Feb. 28.
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QB Kirk Cousins
 2016 team: Washington Redskins
Age: 28 
2015 Stats: 406 of 606 passing for 4,917 yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions; 34 carries for 96 yards and 4 touchdowns

Notes: Cousins set a career ... more
Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
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CB Stephon Gilmore
2016 team: Buffalo Bills 
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 48 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 12 passes defensed 

Notes: The former first-round pick is a bit of a boom-or-bust player, but coming off a career high in interceptions, he could command big money on the open market.

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CB Stephon Gilmore
2016 team: Buffalo Bills 
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 48 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 12 passes defensed 

Notes: The former first-round pick is a bit of a boom-or-bust player, but coming off a

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Photo: Rich Barnes/Getty Images
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LB Dont'a Hightower
2016 team: New England Patriots
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 65 total tackles (1 for loss), 2.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, forced fumble 

Notes: Nagging injuries have been a concern, but Hightower's play during the postseason showed how much of a difference-maker he could be.

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LB Dont'a Hightower
2016 team: New England Patriots
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 65 total tackles (1 for loss), 2.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, 2 passes defensed, forced fumble 

Notes: Nagging injuries have been a

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Photo: Boston Globe/Boston Globe Via Getty Images
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LB Melvin Ingram
2016 team: San Diego Chargers
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: 60 total tackles (10 for loss), 8 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, 5 passes defensed, 5 forced fumbles 

Notes: Ingram teamed with rookie Joey Bosa to give the Bolts a fearsome pass-rush duo in 2016. He's a candidate for the franchise tag if a long-term deal can't be worked out.

Update: The Chargers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Ingram on Feb. 28.

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LB Melvin Ingram
2016 team: San Diego Chargers
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: 60 total tackles (10 for loss), 8 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, 5 passes defensed, 5 forced fumbles 

Notes: Ingram teamed with rookie Joey Bosa to

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Photo: Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
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WR DeSean Jackson
 2016 team: Washington Redskins
Age: 30 
2015 Stats: 56 receptions for 1,005 yards and 4 touchdowns. 

Notes: The speedster would like to stay in D.C., but it looks like Washington is moving on. Jackson's former team, the Eagles, are rumored to be interested in a reunion. less
WR DeSean Jackson
 2016 team: Washington Redskins
Age: 30 
2015 Stats: 56 receptions for 1,005 yards and 4 touchdowns. 

Notes: The speedster would like to stay in D.C., but it looks like Washington is moving ... more
Photo: David Banks/Getty Images
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SS Tony Jefferson
2016 team: Arizona Cardinals 
Age: 25 
2015 Stats: 92 total tackles (13 for loss), 5 passes defensed, 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered

Notes: The former undrafted free agent has developed into a top-notch run-stuffing safety in Arizona and could earn a big payday on the open market if the Cardinals let him get there.

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SS Tony Jefferson
2016 team: Arizona Cardinals 
Age: 25 
2015 Stats: 92 total tackles (13 for loss), 5 passes defensed, 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered

Notes: The former

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Photo: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
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WR Alshon Jeffery
 2016 team: Chicago Bears
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 52 receptions for 821 yards and 2 touchdowns 

Notes: After missing 11 games over the past two seasons due to injuries and suspension, Jeffery likely won't be tagged by the Bears, which would make him a hot commodity on the open market. less
WR Alshon Jeffery
 2016 team: Chicago Bears
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 52 receptions for 821 yards and 2 touchdowns 

Notes: After missing 11 games over the past two seasons due to injuries and suspension, Jeffery ... more
Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
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CB Trumaine Johnson
 2016 team: Los Angeles Rams
Age: 27
2015 Stats: 57 total tackles, interception, 11 passes defensed, fumble recovered 

Notes: The Rams chose Johnson over fellow free agent Janoris Jenkins last offseason, but L.A. is expected to let him test the open market this year. less
CB Trumaine Johnson
 2016 team: Los Angeles Rams
Age: 27
2015 Stats: 57 total tackles, interception, 11 passes defensed, fumble recovered 

Notes: The Rams chose Johnson over fellow free agent Janoris Jenkins ... more
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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LB Chandler Jones
2016 team: Arizona Cardinals 
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 49 total tackles (15 for loss), 11 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, 3 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered 

Notes: After trading away a second-round pick to acquire Jones from the Patriots last offseason, the Cardinals will slap the franchise tag on him this year.

Update: The Cardinals placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jones on Feb. 27.

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LB Chandler Jones
2016 team: Arizona Cardinals 
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 49 total tackles (15 for loss), 11 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, 3 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered 

Notes: After trading

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Photo: Boston Globe/Boston Globe Via Getty Images
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OL T.J. Lang
 2016 team: Green Bay Packers
Age: 29 
2015 Stats: NA

Notes: The former fourth-round pick is one of the best pass-blocking guards in the NFL, not allowing a sack or hit on Aaron Rodgers all year long, according to Pro Football Focus. less
OL T.J. Lang
 2016 team: Green Bay Packers
Age: 29 
2015 Stats: NA

Notes: The former fourth-round pick is one of the best pass-blocking guards in the NFL, not allowing a sack or hit on Aaron Rodgers all year ... more
Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
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OG Ronald Leary
2016 team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: NA 

Notes: Leary, on the other hand, is a premier run blocker who became expendable in Dallas after they drafted La'el Collins in 2015.

OG Ronald Leary
2016 team: Dallas Cowboys
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: NA 

Notes: Leary, on the other hand, is a premier run blocker who became expendable in Dallas after they drafted La'el Collins in 2015.

Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
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LB Nick Perry
 2016 team: Green Bay Packers
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 52 total tackles (12 for loss), 11 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, interception, 4 passes defensed 

Notes: Perry nearly tripled his previous season high in sacks despite missing two games with a broken hand. Don't expect the playmaker-needy Packers to let him go. less
LB Nick Perry
 2016 team: Green Bay Packers
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 52 total tackles (12 for loss), 11 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, interception, 4 passes defensed 

Notes: Perry nearly tripled his previous season ... more
Photo: Dylan Buell/Getty Images
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DE Jason Pierre-Paul
 2016 team: New York Giants
Age: 28
2015 Stats: 53 total tackles (7 for loss), 7 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 8 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, fumble recovery

Notes: The former first-round pick came back from nearly blowing his hand off in a fireworks accident to have a very strong 2016 season. He could be a candidate for the franchise tag.

Update: The Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Pierre-Paul on Feb. 28.
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DE Jason Pierre-Paul
 2016 team: New York Giants
Age: 28
2015 Stats: 53 total tackles (7 for loss), 7 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 8 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, fumble recovery

Notes: The former ... more
Photo: Diamond Images/Diamond Images/Getty Images
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DT Dontari Poe
2016 team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 27 total tackles (1 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, 3 passes defensed, forced fumble 

Notes: Poe's jump-pass touchdown versus Denver in Week 16 may be fans' overriding memory of Poe, but with Berry likely to be franchised, it's possible the run-stuffer could enter the open market. 

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DT Dontari Poe
2016 team: Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: 27 total tackles (1 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, 3 passes defensed, forced fumble 

Notes: Poe's jump-pass touchdown versus Denver in

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Photo: Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
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WR Terrelle Pryor
2016 team: Cleveland Browns
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and 4 touchdowns 

Notes: The former quarterback broke out in 2016 and looked like one of the few above average players on Cleveland's roster. With over $100 million in cap space, expect them to work something out.

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WR Terrelle Pryor
2016 team: Cleveland Browns
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and 4 touchdowns 

Notes: The former quarterback broke out in 2016 and looked like one of the few above average

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Photo: Diamond Images/Diamond Images/Getty Images
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LB Jabaal Sheard
 2016 team: New England Patriots
Age: 27
2015 Stats: 33 total tackles (7 for loss), 5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 4 passes defensed 

Notes: Sheard had an up-and-down career in New England, but with pass-rushing skills and still in the prime of his career, he'll likely get paid somewhere. less
LB Jabaal Sheard
 2016 team: New England Patriots
Age: 27
2015 Stats: 33 total tackles (7 for loss), 5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 4 passes defensed 

Notes: Sheard had an up-and-down career in New England, but ... more
Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
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DT Kawann Short
2016 team: Carolina Panthers
Age: 28 
2015 Stats: 55 total tackles (12 for loss), 6 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 3 passes defensed, forced fumble

Notes: Short's 2016 season didn't quite live up to his monster 11-sack 2015 campaign, but he'll likely still earn a franchise tag from the Panthers.

Update: The Panthers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Short on Feb. 27.

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DT Kawann Short
2016 team: Carolina Panthers
Age: 28 
2015 Stats: 55 total tackles (12 for loss), 6 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 3 passes defensed, forced fumble

Notes: Short's 2016 season didn't quite live up to

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Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images
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OG Larry Warford
2016 team: Detroit Lions
Age: 25 
2015 Stats: NA 

Notes: Warford isn't a star, but with 57 solid starts over four NFL seasons and still in the prime of his career, he should earn decent money on the open market.

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OG Larry Warford
2016 team: Detroit Lions
Age: 25 
2015 Stats: NA 

Notes: Warford isn't a star, but with 57 solid starts over four NFL seasons and still in the prime of his career, he should earn decent money on

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Photo: Leon Halip/Getty Images
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OL Andrew Whitworth
 2016 team: Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 35 
2015 Stats: NA

Notes: Whitworth's age means he won't get a monster deal anywhere, but he played like one of the best tackles in the NFL in 2016. The Bengals will try hard to keep him. less
OL Andrew Whitworth
 2016 team: Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 35 
2015 Stats: NA

Notes: Whitworth's age means he won't get a monster deal anywhere, but he played like one of the best tackles in the NFL in 2016. The ... more
Photo: George Gojkovich/Getty Images
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DT Brandon Williams
2016 team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: 51 total tackles (4 for loss), sack, 2 quarterback hits, pass defensed 

Notes: A run-stuffing nose tackle, look for Williams to command a deal similar to the five-year, $46.25 million contract Damon Harrison got with the Giants last year.

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DT Brandon Williams
2016 team: Baltimore Ravens
Age: 27 
2015 Stats: 51 total tackles (4 for loss), sack, 2 quarterback hits, pass defensed 

Notes: A run-stuffing nose tackle, look for Williams to command a deal

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Photo: Matt Hazlett/Getty Images
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OG Kevin Zeitler
2016 team: Cincinnati Bengals 
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: NA 

Notes: One of the most balanced guards in the league, the former first-round pick should be highly coveted on the open market, assuming he gets there.

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OG Kevin Zeitler
2016 team: Cincinnati Bengals 
Age: 26 
2015 Stats: NA 

Notes: One of the most balanced guards in the league, the former first-round pick should be highly coveted on the open market, assuming he

... more
Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
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The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that they would not exercise the 2017 contract option on running back Adrian Peterson, making the four-time first-team All-Pro a free agent unless Peterson and the Vikings can agree to a new deal before the start of free agency on March 9.

"Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization," said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. "We will continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open while determining what is best for both parties moving forward."

The prospect of Peterson hitting the open market immediately led to fans of various NFL franchises -- including the Seahawks -- to ponder whether or not he'd be a good fit with their organization.

RELATED: Hawks' Sherman offers alternative facts on run-in with reporter

Seattle's running back woes in 2016, when an NFL-record 18 players registered a carry for the team, were well documented. The physical Thomas Rawls and versatile C.J. Prosise seem like a potent duo moving forward, but neither was able to stay healthy last year.

The same could be said of Peterson, who missed 13 games in 2016 with a torn meniscus. In 2015, however, he rushed for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns.

In addition to worries about aging and injuries, any team signing Peterson would also have to likely deal with some blowback following the suspension that cost him most of the 2014 season. Peterson was indicted for reckless or negligent injury of child when photos surfaced of injuries to his then-4-year-old son that were inflicted by Peterson's use of a switch.

Peterson's pedigree among NFL running backs is nearly unmatched. He trails only Frank Gore among the NFL's active rushing leaders and is 16th all time with 11,747 rushing yards and 10th in rushing touchdowns with 97.

RELATED: Franchise tag takes big names off NFL free-agent market

So, would you like to see the Seahawks pursue him if he indeed becomes an unrestricted free agent? Vote in the Twitter poll below:

The Seahawks rank 10th in the NFL if he becomes a free agent according to Las Vegas sports book Bovada, with 14-to-1 odds. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead Bovada's odds at 3-to-1, while the Vikings, New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs come in at 5-to-1.

With Rawls and Prosise both in and out of the lineup, Seattle's rushing attack limped to it's worst performance since 2010 last year, averaging under 100 yards per contest.

Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle Seahawks news. Contact sports reporter Stephen Cohen at stephencohen@seattlepi.com or @scohenPI.