The Minnesota Vikings have maintained the idea they are completely comfortable retaining Adrian Peterson through the 2015 season. The team has been so in favor of that option they have not looked at any running backs entering the NFL Draft. However, interest is high in a deal for Peterson and if presented with a good trade package the Vikings might make the move and need to replace a big hole in the offense.
According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, unless they are blown away by a trade offer, the Minnesota Vikings will retain Peterson no matter how much the running back seeks a move from the franchise. The Vikings hole the upper hand in this situation and Florio reports the team is confident that if a deal is not made they can easily smooth over the bumps in their relationship with Peterson. However, around six teams are interested in Peterson and a deal could be made as ESPN reports the Vikings want a first-round draft pick for Peterson and likely nothing less.
On the chance that the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys or Oakland Raiders pull off a trade for Peterson, what do the Vikings do at the running back position? According to Jerick McKinnon, he will be the starter in 2015 if the door is open.
"If A.P. comes back, there's no doubt he's going to be the starter," McKinnon said, via TwinCities.com. "But it's not going to change my mind-set or how I approach things or how I work. Whatever they do, my mind-set is to come in and be that guy next year."
Alongside McKinnon, the Vikings have Matt Asiata who re-signed in the offseason. Together they combined for 1,555 yards last season which saw the Vikings finish 14th in rushing. While that was certainly a solid year, adding another running back into the mix could be the best move for the team to make with Peterson gone. Asiata is not a long-term option and McKinnon's injury history is cause for concern.
According to ESPN's Todd McShay, the Vikings are not drafting a running back in the first round if Peterson is gone, but could take advantage of the deep class and select someone in a later round. TJ Yeldon, Duke Johnson and Ameer Abdullah are the best available backs after Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon and will be available in the second round and third round. Minnesota could easily grab one of those backs who would be ideal replacements to Peterson.
