Adrian Peterson is counting on being reinstated back into the NFL come April. The Minnesota Vikings running back had his appeal denied for early reinstatement, but can officially apply to return on April 15. However, the question remains what happens to Peterson if the NFL allows him to return to the field. Currently the highest-paid running back in the league, the Vikings have remained coy about their intentions with the former MVP, but Peterson is making it clear he fully intends on being back in Minnesota.
Despite all of the drama of the 2014 season, Peterson maintains that he wants to return to the NFL and specifically the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. There has been plenty of speculation that Peterson would leave Minnesota in search of a fresh start considering how he departed the team this year, but the running back told the media that he intends to be back.
According to ESPN.com, when asked if he intended to return and play for the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson responded, "Of course." Is that a guaranteed commitment to Minnesota? No, but it certainly shows where Peterson's head is at. However, it remains to be seen if the Vikings feel the same way. Right now, the team is saying all of the right things when it comes to the running back, but the truth is Peterson carries a $15.4 million cap hit next season and the team can save $13 million by cutting him.
Of course Minnesota will not say whether or not they intend to take that path with Peterson. Right now everyone from rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings is endorsing his return along with head coach Mike Zimmer. It just remains to be seen if that will still be the case if Peterson is allowed back into the NFL.
"From the brief time that I spent with him, he's a great guy. And I loved practicing with him throughout training camp, and I watched how he approached that first game of the season against St. Louis. It just really hit home with me, and I would love to play with him," Bridgewater said, via Twincities.com.
If Peterson does return, there could be cap casualties as a result. There has already been discussions of releasing Jennings simply because his stats do not warrant his cap hit while players like Matt Asiata and Jarius Wright could be out as well in order to make room for Peterson and his contract.
