The NFL Draft came and went and Adrian Peterson is still a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Despite all of the trade hype surrounding the running back, it was a real possibility that he would be forced to play another season with the Vikings despite his desire for a change of scenery after getting reinstated back into the league. With Peterson back in the mix, but not present at practices, is he guaranteed the starting job in 2015?
The Vikings have made it clear Peterson is going nowhere. According to the Pioneer Press, there are teams that might still inquire about a trade for the running back, but it is expected Peterson plays in Minnesota in 2015, but he is not officially the starter right now. Last season, the Vikings faired just fine with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata handling the rotation. The two combined for 1,555 yards last year. According to McKinnon, he plans on being the starting running back in 2015 regardless of what Peterson's status is.
"If A.P. comes back, there's no doubt he's going to be the starter," McKinnon said, via TwinCities.com. "But it's not going to change my mind-set or how I approach things or how I work. Whatever they do, my mind-set is to come in and be that guy next year."
After not getting a trade done during the draft, Peterson's agent is giving up on the effort and instead trying to get his client a raise. Ben Dogra told USA Today that the Vikings need to re-up their commitment of the running back if they are not going to deal him. Peterson is set to earn $12.75 million this upcoming season while earning $45 million over the next three years. Dogra says that is not enough.
"One of the things that I appreciate with the Vikings is their resolve to say, 'We're not trading him,' " Dogra said, via the Star-Tribune. "That tells me they value him not only as a football player, but what he's done for the organization. I actually, as an agent, not only appreciate it - I accept it. But actions speak louder than words. If that's going to happen, and you want to keep him, then show him a commitment to make him retire as a Viking. And I haven't had that solution."
The Vikings are unlikely to give the high-paid running back a new contract, but they are likely to start him behind the quarterabck in 2015. Teddy Bridgewater told the media that he is excited to get a full season with Peterson while players like Mike Wallace and Cordarrelle Patterson should help balance the offense.