The Minnesota Vikings expect Adrian Peterson to return to the team, but the running back is not ready to commit just yet. Peterson is currently serving a suspension from the NFL with hopes of getting reinstated in April. Upon his return, the Minnesota Vikings are confident Peterson sticks with the team, going as far to say they are not considering running backs in free agency. However, Peterson is making it clear his mind is not made up just yet.
Peterson has maintained his gratitude towards the Minnesota Vikings and his love for his teammates. However, in an interview with ESPN, he is still not certain it is the right move to return in 2015.
"It's hard to say (what my future will be). I love Minnesota," Peterson said, via ESPN.com. "There are people that have had my back, and supported me. Last year, with the things that took place, had a lot of fans that supported me through everything. For the fans, I would definitely love to come back, but then again, it's a business, when it comes down to business, you can't get caught up in the loyalty to fans or to a team or anything like that. You know how it is in the NFL. I learned a lot through this process. I'm still uneasy, to be honest with you. I'm still uneasy about a lot of things that took place within the organization. Of course those guys ultimately supported me, and I'm grateful for that. But ultimately, with me being able to be on the inside and see how cards were dealt, how things were worded, this, that and the other, it's about protecting your brand, your organization, what you have built. In the (grand) scheme of things, not one person counts over that. I get that."
Peterson is a heavy salary cap hit in 2015, but the Vikings continue to stress they want him back with the team. If the running back does return, players like Greg Jennings could find themselves released to make room. However, a few teams are eyeing a trade for the running back including the Dallas Cowboys and Oakland Raiders. If Peterson has doubts about his place in Minnesota, the team could trade him per his request.
Right now, the Vikings are moving forward with Peterson penciled in as the starting running back in 2015. General manager Rick Spielman is not looking at free agent options for the position, hoping that Peterson has the same mindset he does.
"We expect Adrian Peterson to be part of our football team," Spielman said, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I expect when Adrian Peterson comes back that he's gonna come back with a point to prove to everybody,"
