Leslie Frazier had a fan in Adrian Peterson. The Minnesota Vikings running back remained in the head coach's corner throughout the entire struggling season for the team. At the end of the year, Peterson even made a point to go to ownership and lobby in support of keeping Frazier on the team. However, that failed to work and Frazier was fired on Monday leaving Peterson very unhappy with the Vikings.
Peterson spoke out in favor of Frazier during much of the regular season. He stood by the belief that the lack of wins was due to the fault of the players, not the head coach. The day of the firing, Peterson blew past all reporters, refusing to comment and according to the Minnesota Star Tribune, looking visibly upset. Now in the midst of a rebuilding year, will Peterson be a part of it now that he and the ownership are on two separate pages.
Peterson will be 29 by the time next season rolls around. Make no mistake, he is still elite. Despite a season full of injuries, the running back remains the MVP of the Vikings team as he was the most productive offensive player. He is currently under contract through the 2017 season, but could his unhappiness force trade talks?
The Peterson trade rumors ran wild throughout the season. He was constantly brought up until the deadline passed and the Vikings remained adamant that he would not be leaving Minnesota. Peterson spoke out saying he was not the kind of player that liked change which is why he wanted Frazier to remain in charge. General manager Rick Spielman felt different.
"I tried to talk to every unrestricted free agent we had, every one of the players that were on the leadership council that was in place and I'll eventually get through all the players, especially the veterans," Spielman said, via Ben Goessling of ESPN NFL Nation. I wanted to hear their opinions. (Team president) Mark (Wilf) and (owner) Zygi (Wilf) sat in there with me as we talked to the players as well. I understand how difficult change is for people and how difficult change is because it's the unknown. But I also know sometimes when you make that change it also can bring a spark as well."
Of course it seems blasphemous to even consider trading the running back. However, a team in rebuilding is capable of anything no matter how valuable Peterson is. He would be worth at least one first-round pick, maybe more. Every team would be biting at the opportunity to try and work out a deal for him which could be very favorable for the Vikings. Peterson could get sent to a contending team and everyone would be happy.
Peterson is unhappy so this idea will be brought up a lot in the offseason. Will the move be made? Everything is speculation at this point, but anything is possible.
