The Minnesota Vikings are rebuilding. Despite Adrian Peterson's support, Leslie Frazier was fired as head coach and Mike Zimmer was hired in his place. Now, the new head coach must start to make key decisions about the direction Minnesota will be headed in. Peterson wants his new coach to know, he is watching.
Peterson is not afraid to speak his mind with team ownership while the Vikings were considering whether or not to let go of Frazier. Peterson told ESPN.com that he understands his opinions will not dictate which way Minnesota goes, but he is simply aiming to let everyone know that he is paying attention to every decision made.
"Trust me, I'm watching. I'm watching to see exactly what we're doing, just to see exactly what direction we're headed in," Peterson said. "I've been keeping my eyes open with the head coach; I knew he was probably the guy they were going to go with. It wasn't too much of a surprise. I've been watching for the coordinators -- are they going to keep Bill Musgrave around or what direction they're going to go with. With a new coach, that's when things start happening, too, that's all part of the process."
Peterson and Zimmer have not spoken since the hiring, but the running back has met one-on-one with general manager Rick Spielman and gave his opinions on coaching and player personnel. The Vikings stunned some by trading wide receiver Percy Harvin last season. Peterson is not immune to the rumors swirling that he will be next.
"I've seen players come in with the Vikings -- guys I figured I'd probably play with until I finished playing with the Vikings -- and they're gone," Peterson said. "At first, it was, 'How could they let that person go?' It didn't really take me too long to kind of get over it and accept it for what it was. He (Frazier) is out, so we start a new chapter. My personal feelings, I didn't let it get in the way with business."
Several NFL sources have reported that there have been internal talks about the potential of a trade regarding the reigning NFL MVP. It might seem crazy to let go of a franchise player like Peterson, he could certainly bring a lot of value for a rebuilding team.
Speilman has denied reports of a trade, instead hoping that Peterson can serve as an anchor for the team that is set to bring in a young quarterback to take over. NFL.com is reporting Minnesota is likely set to part ways with both Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman. Peterson is expected to help stabilize the offense.