The curious case of Adrian Peterson continues. The running back is the last big headline of free agency as many wonder exactly what will happen with the former NFL MVP and the Minnesota Vikings intend on making that a bit more clear. With trade rumors and speculation of a release looming over the franchise, the Vikings are setting the record straight when it comes to their intentions with Peterson for 2015 and beyond.
According Peterson's agent Ben Dogra, the Vikings will not be releasing the running back as relayed by FOX Sports. Dogra told media outlets that general manager Rick Spielman inform him that Peterson will remain on the roster for 2015 despite all of the rumors of trades and bitter divorces.
"It was important for me to relay the position the Vikings are taking to Adrian," Dogra said, via Fox Sports. "I want to make sure there is absolutely no confusion whatsoever."
Peterson, his agent and the front office regime of the Vikings have met several times this offseason, but nothing had yet to come from the meetings. The trade market for Peterson appears to have disappeared considering no team wants to take on his $15.4 million salary cap hit in 2015. The 30-year-old is under contract for the next three seasons and while nothing is guaranteed beyond next year, Peterson will at least remain the starter for the time being.
However, could there be a darkhorse that emerges as a trade candidate? The Pioneer Press had reported that Peterson was unhappy in Minnesota and was seeking a fresh start elsewhere, but no team is giving up a lot for an aging running back with a over-priced contract. Larry Fitzgerald certainly wishes the Arizona Cardinals would emerge as a candidate for a deal. The Cardinals need running back help and were linked to a deal for Peterson, but ArizonaSports.com reported they did not want him at that contract price. Fitzgerald is aware at just how big of a game-changer Peterson can be.
"Obviously, he's an MVP-caliber player," Fitzgerald said, via the team's website. "Everybody knows that. Any team he ends up with - or if he stays with the Vikings - is going to have a great back. If he was to come play here, it would obviously mean a tremendous amount for our ballclub."
For now, Peterson remains on the Vikings and the Cardinals are scouting the top running backs in the draft. They were spotted at Todd Gurley's Pro Day and could also be linked to TJ Yeldon or Melvin Gordon in the draft.
