Adrian Peterson hitting free agency after Minnesota Vikings decline option

Feb. 28 (UPI) -- One of the best running backs of all-time joined an already stellar cast of potential free-agent studs Tuesday.

The Minnesota Vikings will send Adrian Peterson out to the market after declining to pick up his option for 2017. Peterson joins Eddie Lacy, LeGarrette Blount, Latavius Murray, Rashad Jennings, and Danny Woodhead among a solid stable of free agent runners.

Peterson is the Vikings' all-time leader in rushing attempts [2,418], rushing yards [11,747], and rushing touchdowns [97]. The four-time All-Pro is entering his 11th season and turns 32-years-old in March. Peterson's 2017 option would have paid him $18 million.

"Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a team release. "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."

'All-Day' will officially hit free agency on March 9.

Before this decision, Peterson named several teams he would be interested in, including: the New York Giants, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.