Adrian Peterson Says He Doesn’t Want To Be Traded, Focused On “Securing His Future”

Update:

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Adrian Peterson is specifically looking to have the Vikings guarantee a portion of his 2016 salary.

From Peterson’s perspective this makes sense given that none of his $14.75 million base salary for the 2016 season is guarantee, which could leave him as a cap casualty, depending on how things go for him this year.

However, the Vikings appear to be waiting him out, considering that he really doesn’t have much leverage in the situation.

Minnesota appears to be comfortable paying him over $12 million in 2015, so it will be interesting to see if they acquiesce Peterson’s request for more guarantees.

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Vikings RB Adrian Peterson tells Josina Anderson of ESPN that his absence for OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded.

“The reason I’m not attending OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded. It’s about securing my future with the Vikings. It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings.”

Recent reports have said that Peterson would like the Vikings to guarantee a portion of his contract, given that the remainder of the deal includes no more guaranteed money.

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer confirmed that he spoke to Peterson recently, but added that he doesn’t know when he’ll show up for offseason workouts.

Zimmer said of Peterson’s options: “He’s really got two choices: He can play for us. Or he can not play.”

Mike Freeman of the Bleacher Report recently spoke to one general manager who said that a trade market for Peterson is “almost nonexistent,” so it’s not surprising that Peterson came out and said that he doesn’t want a trade.

Peterson, 30, still has another three years remaining on his seven-year, $96 million contract that included $36 million guaranteed. Over the next three years, Peterson stands to make base salaries of $12.75 million (2015), $14.75 million (2016), and $16.75 million (2017).

As for his cap figures, the Vikings are looking at $15.4 million (2015), $15 million (2016), and $17 million (2017).

Peterson appeared in just one game for the Vikings and ran for 75 yards on 21 carries (3.6 YPC) while adding two receptions for 18 yards receiving and no touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding a Peterson and the Vikings as the news is available.