The Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson look ready to stay together for the 2015 season after rumors this year about a trade to the Dallas Cowboys and the next hurdle for the sides could be a new contract, as Peterson's agent may push a holdout in training camp if he wants more guaranteed money for his client following his push to the exempt list last year.
Peterson's future was up in the air for most of the offseason after what happened last year, but the Vikings appear ready to keep the running back for 2015. According to Pro Football Talk, Peterson is "fully expected" back in Minnesota for training camp this year and it comes after heavy speculation that he could have been traded. The team called the talk media driven, but after Peterson was placed on the exempt list while working through his legal case, this offseason it appeared a deal could happen.
The Vikings were consistent about wanting to keep Peterson and heading into offseason workouts and training camp no deal looks close to happening. Pro Football Talk reported that the team needed to be "blown away" by a trade offer to make a deal and that did not happen ahead of the NFL draft. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, head coach Mike Zimmer said that he expects that Peterson will not have "any issues" with the team and that he will not be "disgruntled".
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Peterson is not expected to hold out "deep into training camp" but that there is a chance he holds out. According to USA Today, Peterson's agent Ben Dogra said that he wants a "commitment" from the team despite the fact that he was pleased that they did not trade Peterson this offseason. Peterson is getting paid $12.75 million and he has a $15 million camp hit.
Jerick McKinnon comes in after playing well last season and he likely will be the main backup for Peterson. Peterson likely will need some time to get used to playing in a shotgun offense with Teddy Bridgewater taking over last year. Peterson did not play much out the shotgun during his career and missing time in training camp could delay the team a bit in getting fully ready with him in the offense.
Peterson reportedly was unhappy with the team earlier in the offseason after the way he was placed on the exempt list last year, as he wanted to play while dealing with his legal case. Peterson ended up playing in just one game and he rushed for 75 yards against the Rams. Peterson is now 30 years old and that is one reason why he did not get traded. While Peterson is one of the best running backs in football history, he is getting up there in age and is one of the highest paid players at his position.
The Cowboys and the Cardinals both were interested in Peterson this offseason, but the teams did not want to give up high draft compensation. Jerry Jones left the door open on a deal, saying to Fox Sports in an interview that if the "right situation" came along, he would consider trading as first round pick for a running back. Speculation likely would go to Peterson if he made that move, but players like Matt Forte or Doug Martin also could be potential options.
