The Minnesota Vikings expect Adrian Peterson back for offseason workouts and the team is not likely to make a trade to the Dallas Cowboys or any other team at this time and this comes as head coach Mike Zimmer said that he had an idea when the running back will show up for team activities and with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata as the backups on the roster.
Peterson has not been with the team during any offseason activities yet this year, but the team has not held any mandatory workouts for players. Peterson's future was up in the air this offseason after he was placed on the exempt list last year while dealing with his legal case and now it appears he will be coming back. The Vikings have been consistent about saying they are not looking to trade Peterson, but that did not stop his name from coming up in trade rumors. According to Pro Football Talk, head coach Mike Zimmer said that he expects Peterson to participate in the offseason program and that he "has an indication" of when he will show up.
Zimmer said that this time of year is voluntary and that there is no issue with players not working out with the team. The Vikings are set for OTA workouts at the end of May with activities coming next week from May 26-28 and the team has minicamp starting June 16, which is mandatory. Zimmer could be referring to that camp as the time Peterson will show up and that comes after two more OTA workouts from June 2-4 and from June 8-11 for the Vikings.
Peterson played in only one game last season for the Vikings before being placed on the exempt list while dealing with his legal issues in Texas. ESPN reported that Peterson was unhappy with the situation last year, as he wanted to play while dealing with his court case. The Vikings and the NFL worked together to put Peterson on the exempt list, as it was soon after the Ray Rice situation and there was immense pressure on the league to make a move. Peterson appears to be willing to return, as reports say he has not demanded a trade from the team.
Peterson's agent was strong with his rhetoric about his client during the offseason, but recently he has softened his stance. According to USA Today, Peterson's agent Ben Dogra said that he "appreciates" that the team stuck to their word and did not trade the running back this offseason. Dogra later added that he feels the Vikings should make a "commitment" to Peterson and that could mean a new extension or more guaranteed money on his contract.
Peterson is 30 years old and he has a base salary of $12.75 million, but the Vikings have some leverage since he isn't owed anything until the season starts. There is a chance Peterson could hold out for part of offseason activities or training camp in the hopes of getting more money, but the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the running back sitting out for an extended period is unlikely. Last season the team used Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata with Peterson out and they did a solid job behind Teddy Bridgewater, who was a rookie.
