The first round of the NFL Draft is over and Adrian Peterson is still a member of the Minnesota Vikings. After reportedly demanding a first-round pick for the running back, no teams made a move for Peterson and now chances are high he starts the season with the Vikings. After not getting his wish for a change of scenery, will Peterson try and pull as much money as he can from Minnesota?
The Vikings were firm in saying they had no intentions of trading Peterson and that proved true after the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday. It is unclear if a team made a last-minute run on the veteran or not, but general manager Rick Spielman told the media that Peterson will start for the Vikings in 2015.
"Adrian Peterson is under contract as a Minnesota Viking," Spielman said, via ESPN.com. "End of story."
Peterson is under contract and now that he is likely staying put, that contract is coming under fire. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, is stirring the pot once again after not getting his client the trade he originally wanted. Dogra told USA Today that the Vikings need to re-up their commitment to Peterson and pay him more money than the high-priced contract he is already assigned to.
"One of the things that I appreciate with the Vikings is their resolve to say 'we're not trading him,'" Dogra said, via USA Today. "That tells me they value him not only as a football player, but what he's done for the organization. I actually, as an agent, not only appreciate it - I accept it. But actions speak louder than words. If that's going to happen, and you want to keep him, then show him a commitment to make him retire as a Viking. And I haven't had that solution."
Peterson is set to make $46 million over the next three years. The chances the Vikings give him a raise are slim to none. All signs point to Peterson having to report to practice and carry on as normal. It does not help that Minnesota is very comfortable with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata as the running back rotation. Peterson can continue to stomp his foot, but it does not look like Minnesota will give in.
The next step for the Vikings could be a wide receiver in the second or third round of the draft. The Pioneer Press reported the team would consider someone in an early round thanks to the doubt around Cordarrelle Patterson. There are plenty of great options available including Jaelen Strong, Devin Smith and Chris Conley. After getting a cornerback in the first round, adding another offensive weapon is not a bad move.
