Adrian Peterson: Aaron Rodgers is better than Tom Brady

Jan. 19 (UPI) — Four-time All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson has one year left on his mega-deal.

That had him spewing potential future suitors Thursday on ESPN’s First Take in Bristol. But after mentioning the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans as possible landing spots, he offered words on the NFL’s best quarterback.

The Minnesota Vikings running back said New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has had the best career, but Green Bay Packers gunslinger Aaron Rodgers is better “right now.”

“Right now, yes, I do [think Rodgers is the best],” Peterson said. “Overall, when you look at careers, of course Tom Brady. Hands down. But right now, when you think about who is the best quarterback, the first guy that comes to mind is Aaron Rodgers and then Tom Brady right there. I think what separates them to me is Aaron Rodgers…he’s more mobile. Having that mobile quarterback that can beat you with his arm and just like Tom Brady, but he can also beat you with his legs. It’s a dangerous recipe when you’ve got the combination of both.”

Peterson played with Rodgers’ predecessor Brett Favre in 2009 and 2010.

Rodgers, 33, completed 401-of-610 passes for 4,428 yards, a league-high 40 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season. The two-time All-Pro has completed 53-of-83 passes for 717 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception in two postseason victories.

Brady, 39, completed 291-of-432 passes for 3,554 yards, 28 touchdowns, and two interceptions in 12 games. The two-time All-Pro completed 18-of-38 passes for 287 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions last weekend in the Patriots’ divisional round victory against the Houston Texans.

Peterson said that he might have 5 to 7 years left in the NFL. He told TwinCities.com earlier this month that he is willing to take a pay cut and come back to the Vikings. The 31-year-old is set to make $18 million in 2017.

“There’s the reality that there comes a point in time where, yeah, the best thing to do is take a pay cut, and it might be in the best interest of the team, as well,” Peterson said, via TwinCities.com.

Peterson ran for just 72 yards on 37 carries in three games in 2016.

“I’m going into this thinking about my guys and wanting to be back with my guys,” Peterson said in a Jan. 2 press conference. “[I realize] that at the end of the day, it is a business, so I always just let the chips fall where they may. But I would love to finish my career here and try to help bring a Super Bowl to Minnesota.”