Adrian Peterson recruiting Dwight Freeney is a head scratcher

Dec 9 2012, Indianapolis, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) waits to be introduced during player introductions before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is ‘heavily’ recruiting free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney, according to a report from CBS.

Wait a second. Don’t the Vikings already have Pro Bowl defensive end in Jared Allen and two other very good defensive ends in Brian Robison and Everson Griffen?

Understanding how Freeney fits in the picture is quite confusing. With three quality ends under contract, it is hard to understand why the Vikings need another.

Freeney does technically have ties to the Vikings since defensive coordinator Alan Williams spent a decade on the Colts’ defensive coaching staff before joining Minnesota. The notion that Williams—or even head coach Leslie Frazier—is the driving force in Freeney’s recruitment doesn’t make sense though. General manager Rick Spielman has absolute control over roster decisions, and signing a veteran defensive end does not make sense with Spielman’s philosophy of signing and drafting young players.

Another possibility is that the Vikings may have plans for one or two of their three defensive ends. Griffen played many snaps inside at defensive tackle during the season and it is quite possible that the Vikings are looking for Griffen to bulk up a little more and play inside.

Whatever it is, signing Freeney—although talented and likely still productive—doesn’t make too much sense.