MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 10: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings stiff arms Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at TCFBank Stadium on January 10, 2016 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

NFL insider hints at surprising contender that may make "value play" at Adrian Peterson

Would he truly be an option?

Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson in the same backfield?

That's what CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora questions in his latest column that details how the former standout running back simply isn't in a position to demand big-time deals any longer and how he may have to settle for a bargain deal.

"Could the Patriots make a value play for Peterson (LeGarrette Blount is a free agent)? It fits their model, but I'm not sure the tape would spur Bill Belichick to make that move, as much as he loves to get veterans on the cheap late in their careers."

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. Could he have a career revitalization in New England a la Randy Moss? Nothing is for sure, but we'd be willing to bet he'd have another standout year behind the greatest of all-time.

He certainly wants to win at least one ring before ending his career, and what better spot than New England to try to make that happen?

We'll see if Bill Belichick and Co. truly consider Peterson an option in the coming months.