Every year as the end of free agency winds down and the clock starts to tick towards the draft, several high profile free agents will find themselves without a new team. This is the case again this year with free agents like Adrian Peterson and Jay Cutler not finding new homes.
Part of this may stem from what people may perceive will be the asking price of such high profile free agents. Adrian Peterson has been the starting running back for the Vikings for nine seasons though in recent years has gone through off-field issues and injury. For his career he has rushed for 11,747 yards and 82 touchdowns, but turned 32 on March 21 which in running back terms is considered old. The Vikings did not exercise the option to retain Peterson this season and the veteran back has been a free agent ever since. Peterson recently quelled rumors of an asking price of $8-$10 million and stated he only wished to play for a contender. Despite meeting with teams like the Patriots, no team has yet to sign him.
Jay Cutler has been a starting quarterback in the NFL since the end of the 2006 season. The 33-year-old has played for both the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears in that time. Cutler has been known to be a gunslinger, being at times flashy and brilliant and atrocious and unpredictable. For his career 32,467 yards, 208 passing touchdowns, nine rushing touchdowns but also 146 interceptions. Injuries have mounted over the last few seasons and his often blase attitude gives the impression of a quarterback who doesn't lack the conviction to win the big game. The Bears released Cutler on the first day of free agency and no team has so much as hinted at signing him.
The problem with both of these players isn't just their high profile careers and age, but also the timing. With the 2017 NFL Draft fast approaching, many teams are in a wait and see mode. Players left in free agency limbo are likely to stay that way until after the draft. Not because of their lack of skill but because a younger prospect is easier to develop than an established veteran. While Peterson is likely to find a home shortly after the draft, Cutler's future is uncertain at best. There is a chance he will retire. There is a chance that a quarterback hungry team like the Texans will make a move to acquire him. There is a chance he will remain unsigned until an injury sidelines a starting quarterback sometime later in the season. Whatever the case, neither Peterson nor Cutler are likely to be signed as a starter for any team. Given their ages and injury history both will likely find a home as a backup with limited numbers next season.
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