ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 3: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 3, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Adrian Peterson reportedly closing in on deal with potential Super Bowl contender

He is a former MVP, seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, with a 2,000-yard season under his belt.

Adrian Peterson is reportedly in discussions to join the New Orleans Saints:

Peterson's visit with the Saints went well, and apparently he won't be starting if a deal does materialize, per The Advocate.

"It's odd to speak of him in these terms since he's one of the best players of his generation, but Peterson, if he were to sign in New Orleans, it would likely be to serve as a backup of sorts to Ingram."

Despite no interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Peterson has taken visits to the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. He reportedly worked out for the Patriots, but wasn't extended an offer.

Peterson wasn't great in his first season over 30 years old, rushing for 72 yards over three games and putting up career lows across the board. Whether that was from not having Teddy Bridgewater to take pressure off of the running game or what, AP looked horrendous before suffering what became a season-ending torn meniscus.

He is a former MVP, seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, with a 2,000-yard season under his belt.

Peterson could be the piece that puts the Saints over the top. Quarterback Drew Brees recently discussed being "very close" on getting over the hump.

"I think that we're very close," Brees said. I'm excited about the offseason acquisitions we've made, we've got five picks in the first three rounds, five picks in the first [103] picks in this year's draft, so the ability to go out and acquire some young talent as well, some guys who can come in and make an instant impact."

The Saints have finished 7-9 in three consecutive seasons, and they've watched division rivals in Carolina and Atlanta reach the Super Bowl in back-to-back years.