The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear they will not be releasing Adrian Peterson. Despite all of the rumors of unhappiness and salary cap issues, the Vikings will be retaining the running back unless a team comes along to make a trade. That is possible, but unlikely given Peterson's cap hit, but if someone like the Arizona Cardinals or Dallas Cowboys put up an offer, Jerick McKinnon says he is ready to start Week 1.
According to McKinnon, regardless of what happens to Peterson, he wants to be the guy in Minnesota next season. The running back put up 538 yards as a rookie, but a back injury caused him to miss the final five games of the year. Running in tandem with Matt Asiata, McKinnon showed a great deal of promise that should leave Vikings' fans hopeful should Peterson not be in uniform next year.
"If A.P. comes back, there's no doubt he's going to be the starter," McKinnon said, via the Pioneer Press. "But it's not going to change my mindset or how I approach things or how I work. Whatever they do, my mindset is to come in and be that guy next year."
As a precaution, the Vikings gave a one-year extension to Asiata who was entering free agency. They also just announced the signing of DuJuan Harris who has played with three different teams in his short career. At 26, Harris has just 263 yards and two touchdowns in his career. He will likely be battling for a roster spot especially if Peterson does return.
One thing looking promising in Minnesota is the wide receiver corps. The Vikings made upgrades this season trading for Mike Wallace and releasing aging Greg Jennings. Teddy Bridgewater is certainly thrilled at the addition of Wallace to run alongside Charles Johnson, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Rudolph. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner expects big things from the unit this year while Rudolph admits he is thrilled over the progress of Bridgewater.
"I remember when he came in and worked out before the (Week 3) Saints game, you could tell he was a really talented kid and had raw ability," Rudolph said. "He continued to work, and when he got an opportunity he took full advantage of it."
The Vikings could be a team to watch this upcoming season. Minnesota struck gold getting Bridgewater in the draft and now a few talented wide receivers could be all it takes to push them into contention in 2015.