According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been weighing the idea of possibly retiring from the NFL.
- La Canfora mentions that Peterson has seemed less than enthusiastic about the prospect of playing football on more than one occasion.
- La Canfora writes that he’s always got the sense that Peterson would play most any card to try to wiggle free if at all possible.
Peterson will reportedly holdout of OTAs and the expectation right now is that he will not report to mandatory minicamp this summer.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported over the weekend that a source within Peterson’s inner circle believes he has already made it clear to ownership and the Vikings’ front office that he wants to be traded during a face-to-face meetings earlier this offseason.
Robinson mentions that Peterson plans to sit out of OTAs in attempt to send a public message that he wanted to be traded.
Peterson’s agent, Ben Dogra, has reportedly been trying to get a reworked contract from the Vikings that would include more guaranteed money for his client. However, Robinson’s source said that for Peterson it has “never been about the money,” and he is now adamant about playing elsewhere.
However, La Canfora mentions that the trade market for Peterson was never going to be robust given that Peterson’s age, contract, injury history and overall usage. On top of that, NFL teams have already added depth at running back in either free agency or the draft, so it’s not as though there is a team in desperate need of a running back.
In the end, this situation could come down to the Vikings willingness to add some guaranteed money to Peterson’s contract, according to La Canfora.
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.
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Hoping Spielman stands his ground and doesnt give in to AP’s demands! lol, never been about the money? Ya, sure AP, Its always been about the money! Everyone knows that you and your scum bag agent have been desperate for the new contract and heres hoping Spielman makes you honor the contract your under or else puts you on the PUP list and you can watch Mckinnon become a star! SKOL VIKINGS!