The list continues to get shorter and shorter of teams potentially interested in trading for Adrian Peterson. Right now the Minnesota Vikings are denying the running back is available at any capacity, but for the right price most believe the franchise would deal Peterson. Currently eyeing top running back candidates, the San Diego Chargers were believed to be candidates for Peterson, but the team is denying interest.
According to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Tribune, the Chargers are not interested in trading for Peterson despite the need for running back help in 2015.Gehlken writes that Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, dismissed the idea that the Chargers were seeking a deal, citing financial implications as the issue. That appears to be the issue with most teams as no one wants to take on Peterson's inflated contract. Peterson is considered the best running back potentially available, but he costs too much to acquire.
The Chargers need running back help, but will likely turn to the draft to address the need. NFL.com's mock draft has the Chargers selecting a back in an early round. They could target any of the top options like Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon or TJ Yeldon to place alongside Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has no intentions of dealing Peterson just to trade him. Dogra is currently telling the media that his client is unhappy with the Vikings and is seeking a change, but head coach Mike Zimmer will only say that for now Peterson is the starting running back in 2015.
"I'm not going to speculate on what he wants or doesn't want," Zimmer said, via ESPN.com. "Adrian's under contract for three more years with us, and that's why you sign those contracts. That's why you get these big bonuses, you know? We have no plans to trade Adrian. I think when he goes into the Hall of Fame, he's going to want to go in with the jersey that everyone remembers him as. That will be as a Viking."
The Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders have all been linked to Peterson, but have all declined a deal considering he is a $15 million cap hit in 2015 and only increases from there. All signs point to Peterson staying put for the future.