Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports that Adrian Peterson would consider restructuring his contract to facilitate a trade out of Minnesota if this ends up being a necessary move.
According to Robinson, Peterson continues to have an open dialogue with the Vikings about his future and has already considered potential trade destinations.
A separate source tells Robinson that Peterson has entertained the idea of returning to the Vikings next year, even though he’s thought through a possible trade.
Peterson’s father, Nelson, said his son hasn’t requested a trade and added that the focus is “business decisions” based.
“All the options are open,” Nelson Peterson said. “There’s no doors closed on anything at this time. … Adrian will come back from this with a vengeance. He plays hard anyway, but he’s got an extra chip on his shoulder. He will bounce back from this.”
Should Minnesota make him available for trade, Robinson mentions Peterson prefers to be traded to five teams: the Cardinals, Colts, Cowboys, Chargers and Buccaneers.
Robinson adds that even if Peterson were to request a trade, the Vikings could refuse and simply pay him the $12.75 million salary he has coming his way next season.
The Vikings have maintained all along that they want Peterson to be back with the team next year, but we’ll have to see how things progress in the coming weeks.
Last week, Judge David Doty sent his appeal case back to Judge Harold Henderson, which means it will return to the CBA process.
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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