Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman admitted what most people already know, Adrian Peterson is being wasted. As the team works out their quarterback issues, the best running back in the league has yet to win a championship. While the Vikings are not necessarily concerned about that aspect of things, they are concerned about Peterson's giant contract. Considering how undervalued the running back position has become in the league, are the Vikings preparing to trade Peterson in the coming year?
The Peterson trade rumors have surfaced once before. During the mid-season trading period in 2013, Peterson found his name being tossed around more than fans might want to hear. Peterson stressed that despite the Vikings' struggles, he has not demanded a move from Minnesota, but would not turn one down if the option came about. Could a deal finally happen sooner?
Mike Freeman of BleacherReport.com is reporting that the Vikings are attempting to find a way to move on from the running back, not because of his production on the field but because of his monster contract. Peterson's base salary over the next four years is $11.75 million, $12.75 million, $14.75 million and $15.75 million. That is a huge chunk of change dedicated to a running back that is approaching 30. The Vikings are not committed to paying it.
This year in free agency, most running backs sign at most a three-year contract. Knowshon Moreno was coming off a career-best year with the Denver Broncos and only managed a one-year, $1.9 million contract. LeGarrette Blount got the same treatment after a standout season with the New England Patriots. Running backs are simply not making the type of money that Peterson is right now and Minnesota is aware that in order to build the team for success, they must drop that contract even if it means losing Peterson.
A trade for Peterson will not happen in 2014. It simply does not make sense to cut the running back now. With the potential of a rookie quarterback starting in Week 1, having the stability of Peterson will mean everything. However, Freeman is predicting that this is the running back's final year in Minnesota. With most players signed to one two-year contracts, a buyer will not be hard to find.
The Oakland Raiders could be an easy target. The team has Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew signed to small deals. One of them will be gone after a year. The Miami Dolphins are an option after Moreno's contract ends. The Dallas Cowboys are an even better option. DeMarco Murray will be gone and Peterson himself has said a return to Texas is something he is in favor of.
The likelihood Peterson finishes out that contract in Minnesota is slim. While the two sides could work out a restructuring deal, if another team poised to win comes in with an offer, the Vikings will not hesitate to strike a deal.