The New England Patriots met with free agent running back Adrian Peterson on Monday but no deal was made. The latest NFL rumors have possibly revealed the real reason way Patriots head coach Bill Belichick showed interest signing Peterson.

According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, one possible reason why Bill Belichick invited Adrian Peterson to New England is to scout him and his surgically-repaired knee. Howe noted that Belichick probably got a lot of information on Peterson's health and it will help if he signs with a contender.

Adrian Peterson has been linked to the Oakland Raiders and if he signs with them, Bill Belichick will have intel on his condition just in case they meet in the AFC playoffs. The Raiders were legit contenders last season until a season-ending injury took out quarterback Derek Carr.

Howe repeated this explanation in an appearance on Tuesday on Toucher & Rich. He pointed out that Bill Belichick is free to invite anyone he likes including Peterson. He also mentioned that it is just part of the Patriots' strategy next season.

"Belichick gets a little-advanced scouting on Peterson, the knee, whether or not Belichick thinks that Peterson can be a threat on the field next year, and it kind of helps that situation," Howe said, via CBS Boston.

The Patriots are the favorites to repeat as champions next season after a bunch of league-shaking moves including the acquisition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks and the signing of free agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Bill Belichick is looking to give Tom Brady and the Patriots a perfect season, something they failed to a decade ago.

However, it should be noted that these are just NFL rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt. The Patriots still need a running back with Brandon Bolden and LeGarrette Blount possibly signing elsewhere. They have already signed Rex Burkhead but they would need to add one more.

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