Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports is starting to have his doubts about whether a trade market will ever develop for Vikings RB Adrian Peterson.
La Canfora points out that Peterson’s representatives have made it “very clear” that he has no interest in playing another game for the Vikings.
However, NFL teams do not appear to be lining up to pay a 30-year-old running back $13 million for the 2015 season and still part with draft compensation for him, according to La Canfora.
Peterson missed the almost the entire 2014 season after he was placed on the commissioner’s except list, and he still hasn’t been officially reinstated by the league. The NFL is in the process of appealing a recent decision to allow Peterson to be reinstated.
La Canfora admits that the Cowboys, Cardinals, and possibly even the Redskins could have interest in him if he were to be available, but it would obviously come down to the price.
According to La Canfora, it’s clear that Peterson “badly” wants out of Minnesota, but he still expects the Vikings to call Peterson’s bluff in the end, assuming a trade partner doesn’t surface in the coming months.
For what it’s worth, Vikings GM Rick Spielman told reporters at the owner’s meeting that Peterson is still under contract, and they expect him to be a part of team this season, per Tom Pelissero.
Peterson, 29, 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).
According to OverTheCap.com, trading Peterson would free up $13 million in available cap space and create $2.4 million dead money.
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 the Vikings and Peterson as the news is available.
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