Adrian Peterson continues to be the headline of the NFL offseason as OTAs begin. The Minnesota Vikings running back first said he wanted a trade from the franchise. Then he wanted a contract that set him up with the team for the remainder of his career. Peterson continued to speak out about his pending future in the NFL as he and the Vikings remained in a stare down. However, that all ended on Tuesday as the running back appeared at practice for the first time.

According to ESPN's Ben Goessling, Peterson reported to practice for the Vikings on Tuesday which ended his absence from team facilities that stretched nine months. In an interview with the Associated Press, Peterson stressed that he wanted to be a part of the team and help win games.

"I'm returning because I want to. I'm a part of this football team and I owe it to the guys I play with and to our coaches," Peterson said, via the AP. "I was planning on coming in this week, and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field. It's what I love to do."

Peterson is set to be the highest-paid running back in the league which is why the trade rumors first circled around his name. Head coach Mike Zimmer and the Vikings' front office denied he was available which caused the demands for a new contract. The Vikings do not appear too keen on that idea either. Peterson did not deny that he was still seeking a new deal despite his return to practice, but it was not going to be his focus anymore.

"I'll leave those discussions to my agent, but any player wants to guarantee his future as much as possible," Peterson said. "I'm focused on what I need to do on the field, what I need to do to prepare for the season."

Peterson's return means he will take over the starting running back job over Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata. Both running backs worked in tandem last season when Peterson was suspended. The Vikings opted not to add anyone to the roster, confident that either Peterson would return or McKinnon and Asiata would be enough to manage the offense with Teddy Bridgewater entering his second season.

With Peterson returning to the backfield, the Vikings' offense is looking much more impressive. Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson will take over starting receiver duties. Kyle Rudolph returns healthy at tight end. Cordarrelle Patterson and rookie Stefon Diggs will battle for the third spot. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner will certainly have a lot to work with now and Peterson admits he is excited to get working in it.

"I know what kind of offense Norv Turner runs, and this year there was a lot of production out of the shotgun formation with the passing game and the running game," Peterson said. "I feel like I bring a different dynamic to the back end and with that it will allow for different formations to be presented that will allow the quarterback to be comfortable."