Free Agency Rumor: Falcons "in the mix" for Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

The Atlanta Falcons need to rebuild a team that has been, at their very best, watchable the last two seasons. They could potentially look to add another running back to pair with the young, electric Devonta Freeman.

According to a "source close to the situation," the Falcons could pair Freeman with the controversial Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Chris Tomasson of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press broke the news, which included the Vikings plan to keep Peterson if he is not traded prior to the draft.

The source named six teams in the mix for Peterson: Arizona, Atlanta, Dallas, Jacksonville, San Diego and Tampa Bay. The source does not believe Oakland, mentioned in media reports as a possible candidate, is in the mix.

Also of interest is the potential compensation for Peterson.

The source said they would be hard-pressed to get even a late first-round pick for Peterson because of his age -- he turned 30 last month -- and his huge contract.

If the Falcons are truly "in the mix," it may explain why the Falcons have left so much cap space available through free agency. It may also show the intention to push towards a run-heavy offense that Dan Quinn was able to rely upon in Seattle, helping to control the clock and give the defense plenty of help.

It also suggests the Falcons have zero interest in rebuilding, and believe they can get right back into the playoffs starting right now. And they are not concerned about the media coverage regarding Peterson's long pseudo-suspension.

According to the site Football Betting Center, the Falcons are tied for the fourth best odds of landing Adrian Peterson at 20/1.

The Falcons have plenty of cap space and a full slew of draft picks, so perhaps the odds of him donning red and black are better than previously thought.