Vikings Restructure Adrian Peterson’s Contract, Add $20M Guaranteed

Update:

Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports that Adrian Peterson‘s restructured contract will pay him between $24 million – $28 million over the next two years, depending on escalators/de-escalators.

• Ian Rapoport reports that Peterson’s new deal pays him $44 million over three years and $20 million in guarantees.
• If Peterson is still on the Vikings’ roster as of 2016, he’ll make $26 million over two years.

———-

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that the Vikings have agreed to include $20 million guaranteed at signing as part of their agreement with RB Adrian Peterson.

According to Florio, this figure is partially guaranteed for injury only as of now while the remainder is fully guaranteed.

Florio adds that common sense suggests that the Vikings fully guaranteed the $13 million Peterson was set to make for the 2015 season, and the remaining $7 million is the injury-only guarantees.

———–

The Minnesota Vikings announced that they’ve reached an agreement with Adrian Peterson on a  restructured contract.

• Ian Rapoport reports that Peterson’s base salaries of $12.75M, $14.75M, and $16.75M are expected to be reduced in return for more guarantees.
• Charles Robinson reports that Peterson will receive additional guaranteed money in 2015 and 2016, but he’ll still be left unprotected in 2017.
• According to Robinson, Minnesota made a “sizable two-year commitment” to Peterson.
• The Vikings decided to go through with this move because they feel as though Peterson will help Teddy Bridgewater‘s development and view this roster as a playoff team, per Robinson.

“This agreement is a win for both Adrian and the Vikings and is a positive step toward Adrian finishing his career as a Minnesota Viking,” said Vikings GM Rick Spielman. “As we have consistently said, Adrian is a valuable part of the Vikings organization and we look forward to his return to the field.”

“I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL,” said Peterson. “It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again.”

The key takeaway here is that the Vikings provided “additional security” to Peterson, which likely means they elected to include more guaranteed money over the next three years.

Peterson, 30, had another three years remaining on his seven-year, $96 million contract that included $36 million guaranteed. He was set to make base salaries of $12.75 million (2015), $14.75 million (2016), and $16.75 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 Peterson’s new contract as the details are available.