Adrian Peterson is expected back with the Minnesota Vikings and while a Dallas Cowboys trade is still possible, it's very unlikely and things now could turn to his contract, as Peterson's agent Ben Dogra may push his client to holdout in training camp if they don't get a new deal with more guaranteed money heading into the 2015 season.
Peterson's future was up in the air for most of the offseason and now it looks like he will be back in Minnesota for the 2015 season. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, head coach Mike Zimmer said that he "doesn't think there will be any issues with" Peterson this season and that he will be able to take over his starting role after being out for 2014. Peterson was placed on the exempt list last season while dealing with his legal issues in Texas and he had hoped to play through his case.
Peterson was out for all of last season apart from one game against the Rams and he finished the year with 75 yards rushing. Peterson could end up holding out for part of the offseason, as reports have his agent looking to get a new contract for the running back. According to USA Today, Ben Dogra spoke about Peterson's situation and said that while he "appreciates" the team did not trade the running back, he still is looking for a "commitment" from the team.
Dogra had some harsh words earlier in the offseason against the Vikings, but many predicated that was more about his contract rather than wanting a trade. A trade looked very possible at one point and Dogra said at the owners meetings that maybe it wasn't in his client's "best interests" to stay in Minnesota. Peterson had interest from the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals earlier in the offseason, but both teams appear to be happy with their running backs.
Clearly his thoughts have changed a bit and Andrew Brandt at the MMQB predicted this is how it would go. Peterson is getting paid a ton of money on his contract at $46 million over three years, but in the NFL nothing is guaranteed expect guaranteed money and he may want more of that for his client. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Peterson is not expected to hold out "deep" into training camp, but there is chance that he could push for a new deal.
Peterson is set to make $12.75 million in base salary this season and he has a cap hit at $15 million. The Vikings have Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata on the roster and they will be on the depth chart behind Peterson. The Vikings have Teddy Bridgewater as the starter and he has a different style of offense than what Peterson used to run. Peterson does not usually run out of the shotgun and the team had a shotgun heavy offense last season.
Peterson should be fine, as he is one of the best backs of all time, but working in training camp could be crucial. If he misses time it could affect how fast he gets hang of the offense but the Vikings appear to not be worried.
