Jason Cole of B/R is reporting that the Vikings plan to meet with the agents for RB Adrian Peterson and CB Terence Newman next week at the Scouting Combine to assess what the two sides will do going forward.
Earlier in the day, Josina Anderson spoke to Peterson, who said he has been “perplexed” by those who are doubting he’ll be able to return to his prior form after suffering a torn meniscus last year.
On Thursday, Vikings GM Rick Spielman told reporters on haven’t spoken to Peterson or his agent about his contract yet, but he did say that talks with Peterson and his representatives will likely take place at the upcoming Scouting Combine.
Spielman added Peterson “will always be a Minnesota Viking.”
The Vikings will need to decide whether or not to pick up Peterson’s $6 million roster bonus due on March 11. Although, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported a few weeks ago that no one expects the Vikings to pay him this roster bonus, as it would trigger an $11.75 million base salary for the 2017 season.
Schefter mentioned that the real question now is whether Minnesota and Peterson can reach a restructured deal before March 11 or if they’ll be forced to release one of the best players in franchise history.
Some have wondered if retirement could end up being a serious consideration for Peterson if the Vikings move on and he can’t secure a solid contract and a starting role for another team.
Peterson has said previously that he would like to play another five years or so in the NFL.
Peterson, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He’s currently in the second year of his three-year, $44 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $7.75 million for the 2016 season.
The Vikings will owe Peterson a base salary of $11.75 million in 2017 to go along with a $6 million roster bonus that’s due in March.
In 2016, Peterson has rushed for 72 yards on 37 carries (1.9 YPC) to go along with three receptions for eight yards receiving and no touchdowns over the course of three games.
Newman, 38, is a former first-round pick of the Cowboys back in 2003. He spent nine years in Dallas before joining the Bengals in 2012.
Newman has spent the past two years with the Vikings and just played out his one-year, $3 million contract with the team. He’s now in position to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
In 2016, Newman appeared in 15 games for the Vikings and recorded 38 tackles, one interception, and eight pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 cornerback out of 112 qualifying players.
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