Vikings GM Rick Spielman was asked about RB Adrian Peterson‘s status with the team for the 2015 season on Wedneday, but he didn’t offer anything definitive about the running back being back with the team.
“There’s no question on what Adrian Peterson has done for this organization on the field, and what he is as a football player,” Spielman said, via ESPN.com. “I think people tend to forget, Adrian did make a mistake, he admitted he made a mistake, he went through the process in the court system. He is currently suspended by the NFL right now, but he’s done a lot of positive things in this community as well. I’ve been here his whole career. I know what type of person Adrian is. But I also know that we have to follow everything that’s put in place for us. Is there a resolution? Not right now. All I know is where we stand today.”
Spielman added that they are barred from talking to Peterson until his suspension is over.
As things stand right now, Peterson would return on April 15. However, the hope for Peterson is that he can get his return date set for the beginning of March, which would allow him to test free agency in the event that the Vikings release him in the coming months.
Indications from a few months ago were that the Vikings planned on having Peterson on their roster next year, but it’s always good to be prepared for the worst as an NFL player, seeing as their contracts aren’t fully guaranteed like other sports.
Should Peterson become a free agent, there would almost certainly be a number of teams interested in signing him. The Cowboys and Texans have both come up in the past as potential landing spots for Peterson in the past based on the fact that he’s from Texas.
Peterson, 29, still has another three years remaining on his seven-year, $96 million contract that included $36 million guaranteed. Although, the Vikings will have to decide if Peterson is worth the $11.75 million he stands to make next year.
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.
The fact that Peterson has one year less of wear and tear could actually work in his favor to some degree if he end’s up being available.
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