Adrian Peterson lacks the power when it comes to where he plays in 2015. The running back is set to return to the field after serving a suspension following child abuse allegations, but he lacks the control of determining what jersey he gets to where. Peterson has made it known that he is uncertain a return to the Minnesota Vikings is where he needs to be, but the franchise is ready to give up on the running back just yet.
Peterson met with head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman at his home in Houston on Wednesday and the running back told ESPN that things were productive as they discussed where he stood about continuing his career with the franchise.
"I appreciate Rick [Spielman] and Coach [Mike] Zimmer coming down to see me today. We had a great dialogue and they were able to understand where I was coming from and concerns my family and I still have. We respect each other and hopefully the situation can pan out so that everyone involved is content," Peterson said in a statement released to ESPN's Josina Anderson.
Zimmer and Spielman have maintained they intend to keep the running back for the future and have no intentions of trading him in the offseason. It remains to be seen just how true that is. Last offseason, Peterson was the subject of numerous trade rumors as he is scheduled to make $12.75 million in 2015. That is a lot of cap space for a team still looking to fill a few roster holes. If available, the market could really develop for Peterson.
With a full season of rest under his belt, teams will take a look at Peterson regardless of the money. The chances the Vikings release Peterson seem slim. They have around $25 million in cap space to work with after trading Matt Cassel on Tuesday. They do not necessarily need to drop the running back in order to make improvements. Peterson would still have a high return rate if up for grabs.
The Oakland Raiders will be considered the front runners for the running back. They have the cap space to take on his contract and they need a starting running back. The Dallas Cowboys are likely out of the race considering they cannot afford to take Peterson at his current value. The Indianapolis Colts have denied they will be making a trade for the running back. The Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panther and New York Jets could be contenders.