We heard earlier today that Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer expects embattled running back Adrian Peterson to return to the team in 2015. However, outside of the obvious public relations decisions that Minnesota will have to make in evaluating Peterson’s future with the club, Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune discusses the untenable financial ramifications of keeping Peterson in the fold. Vensel cites former NFL agent Joel Corry, who says:
“His contract doesn’t bear any relation to the rest of the running back market. I know Peterson had some unique value as the face of the franchise with the new stadium opening in 2016, but that doesn’t exist anymore. From a pure economic perspective, having a 30-year-old running back in 2015 with a $15.4 million cap number and $13 million salary wasn’t going to be the most efficient use of resources.”
As Vensel suggests, the Vikings could approach Peterson with offers for a contract restructure, but Peterson’s receptiveness to such overtures is doubtful at best. That is especially true given that the same ESPN article in which Zimmer expressed his confidence that Peterson would be back with the club also contained the revelation that Vikings general counsel Kevin Warren has been working with the NFL to make sure Peterson does not return this season. That led Peterson to remark recently, “Maybe it’s best for me to get a fresh start somewhere else.”
Let’s look at a few more links as Sunday’s games get underway:
- Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle details Ryan Mallett‘s journey to becoming the Texans‘ starter and Mallet’s desire to be more than a one-game wonder as he attempts to lead Houston to a playoff berth.
- Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer writes that Panthers quarterback Cam Newton wants to lead a winner in Carolina and Carolina’s front office wants him to stay. His future with club could ultimately depend on if the Panthers can climb atop the weak NFC South in 2014.
- Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com answers a number of questions from readers inquiring into the Jaguars‘ strategy this offseason, including draft and free agent targets and the club’s biggest needs.
- Marshawn Lynch may be on his way out of Seattle in 2015, but regardless of how he his viewed by the public at large, he is beloved in the Seahawks‘ locker room and his teammates will hate to see him go, writes Jayson Jenks of the Seattle Times.