INDIANAPOLPIS - One of the best running backs in NFL history could have an interest in playing for the Oakland Raiders?

Yes, times have changed.

Today, Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was asked about reports that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has the Raiders among the teams on his wish list. This week, the Vikings announced they will not exercise Peterson’s $18 million option for 2017. As a result, Peterson, 31, will be an unrestricted free agent on March 9.

Del Rio was careful to avoid tampering, while noting Peterson’s reported interest spoke well of the Raiders. Oakland went 12-4 last year, its first winning season since 2002.

“I think it’s great that we’re on the list of guys that are premier guys,” Del Rio said. “To the best of my knowledge, he’s still with the Vikings, right? I’m not out there trying to target other players or recruit other players. But the message I get is that players and coaches and people recognize that this is a good place to be. That we have turned this thing around.

“When I first arrived three years ago the thought was that no one wants to come here. We battled through that, became a place where people wanted to come and over the last two years we’ve been able to attract some nice free agents. Of course, paying them is part of it. It’s become a destination. People recognize we do have a good young nucleus. The quarterback. And some pieces in place to have a good run. So they want to be part of it.”

The Raiders figure to address their running-back position in the offseason. Latavius Murray, their leading rusher the past two seasons, is scheduled to become a free agent.

Del Rio was asked if DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard, who combined for 970 yards averaged 5.6 yards a carry as rookies last year, were ready to assume the lead-back role.

“We’ll just see,” Del Rio said. “That’s always a fluid situation. We’re not closing the door on anybody. There are a lot of players on our roster and we’d love to have them all back. It doesn’t always work that way. We’ll work through it the best we can, try to remain in contact with all of our players, and retain those we can.”

Twitter: @Eric_Branch