Adrian Peterson - Pro Football Rumors

Extra Points: Gregory, Texans, Peterson

April 11th, 2015 at 10:35pm CST by Rob DiRe

Some assorted notes as we wrap up the week…

The Chargers are bringing Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory in for an official visit after he tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, writes Michael Gehlken of the U-T San Diego. Gregory would not have been in the cards this late in the first round without the drug concerns, but the Chargers will be ready to make a decision on this top-10 talent should he fall in the draft.
The Texans re-signed backup guard Cody White on Thursday, and his one-year deal with the team will be worth $585K with no guaranteed money, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Wilson writes that White has a split salary, which reduces the amount he is owed if he is forced onto the IR due to an injury.
Adrian Peterson “deserves” an exit and the Vikings “should grant his wish,” opines Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post. The writer emphasizes that Peterson’s apparent resentment towards the organization (including his belief that they didn’t show enough support) is unwarranted. However, the running back could use a fresh start, and Renck believes that won’t happen in Minnesota.

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

Extra Points: Tillman, Talib, Los Angeles, Peterson

April 8th, 2015 at 10:30pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s take a look at some assorted notes from around the league as we wrap up this Wednesday night…

Former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman visited the Panthers earlier this evening, reports ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson (via Twitter). The reporter notes that the two sides have yet to discuss a contract.
Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV in Dallas reports (via Twitter) that Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is being investigated for aggravated assault earlier this morning. The 29-year-old’s brother, Yaqub, is also being investigated by police. According to ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, the pair were questioned by police early Wednesday, but no one was arrested.
Addressing a rumor going around, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) dismisses the notion that the Eagles have any real interest in acquiring Johnny Manziel. According to Cole, the Browns tossed out the idea in a conversation with Philadelphia, but it didn’t gain any traction. Of course, Cleveland also reportedly offered the Eagles a first-round pick for Sam Bradford.
In an extensive and interesting piece, Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times examines nine potential outcomes for an NFL move to Los Angeles, including scenarios in which multiple teams relocate and scenarios in which just one of the Rams, Chargers, or Raiders makes the move.
The NFL submitted it’s appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court regarding Adrian Peterson, according to USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). Once it’s filed, the NFL Player’s Association will have 14 days to respond. As Pelissero notes (via Twitter), the appeal “has more to do with precedent than Peterson,” adding that the running back could realistically be reinstated regardless of the outcome.
Count Reggie Bush among those who are rooting for Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne to make the 49ers. The running back expressed his confidence to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “I’m sure he’ll make it, I don’t think there’s any doubt in anybody’s mind he’ll make the roster,” Bush said. “He has all the talents and athleticism to be able to play in this league and to be able to play at a high level in this league…I think making the team is actually the least of his worries.”

Ben Levine contributed to this post.

NFC Notes: Peterson, Vikings, 49ers, Draft

April 8th, 2015 at 11:02am CST by Luke Adams

In his latest mailbag at TheMMQB.com, Peter King examines a potential trade for Adrian Peterson, suggesting that the Cardinals and Cowboys remain “the leaders in the clubhouse.” However, King doesn’t think either team will do anything rash to acquire the former MVP from the Vikings, pointing out that with the second-round pick it might take to trade for Peterson, potential suitors might be better off simply drafting a much younger, cheaper back.

Let’s check out a few more notes from around the NFC, with a focus on pre-draft visits:

The Vikings are taking a closer look at a ton of draft prospects this week, and we can add at least a couple more new names to the list today. Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net tweets that Mississippi State defensive end Preston Smith is in Minnesota to meet with the team, while Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune says (via Twitter) that Virginia safety Anthony Harris is also in town.
Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who grew up in Sacramento, is making a pre-draft visit to meet with the 49ers, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. The Niners added Darnell Dockett in free agency but could be in the market for more defensive line help if and when Justin Smith decides to retire.
Utah cornerback Eric Rowe, who is viewed as a first- or second-day pick, is visiting the Lions today, says Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. Rowe, a four-year starter at Utah, is a versatile defensive back, with experience at safety as well.
Tight end Nick O’Leary was among the players to have a private workout with the Buccaneers, a source tells Alex Marvez of Fox Sports (Twitter link).
The Packers are hosting Pittsburgh offensive lineman Matt Rotheram for a visit today, tweets agent Jeff Jankovich.

Extra Points: Peterson, Jimbo, Mariota, Draft

April 7th, 2015 at 10:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is not expected to face any further discipline when he comes off the commissioner’s exempt list, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. For Peterson, being clear of any more punishment was a key goal of today’s meeting with league officials in New York, per Rapoport. Peterson is eligible to be reinstated next Wednesday.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

Appearing on Pro Football Talk Live, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher told Mike Florio that he’s received interest from NFL teams in the past, allowing that he “would never say never” to a pro opportunity. With a NCAA title under his belt, and a history of developing quarterbacks, it’s unsurprising that NFL clubs would inquire as to Fisher’s availability.
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, having already worked out for the Titans privately, will meet with Tennessee again on Thursday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (Twitter link).
The Dolphins are assessing collegiate linebackers, writes Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, going as far as to send linebackers coach Mark Duffner to spend private time with Clemson’s Stephon Anthony. Miami has also met with Georgia’s Ramik Wilson and Anthony’s teammate, Vic Beasley, and have had several conversations with Utah State’s Zach Vigil, a potential late-round pick, says Jackson.
Purdue tight end Gabe Holmes, who has already drawn interest from the Cardinals and Raiders, will work out for the Dolphins on Friday, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Searching for a replacement for Mike Iupati, the 49ers have scheduled an official visit for Utah guard Jeremiah Poutasi which will take place later this month, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Both the city and county of San Diego independently voted to pay the cost of hiring consultants with stadium experience as they look for a new home for the Chargers, according to David Garrick of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Latest On Adrian Peterson

April 6th, 2015 at 4:30pm CST by Zachary Links

Adrian Peterson‘s dream scenario would be a trade to the Cowboys, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Sources close to the running back believe that he is going to be reinstated after April 15th, the date on which he could be considered for return.

In addition to the Cowboys, the Colts and Cardinals are viewed as the likely teams to be heavily interested in Peterson. Even though Peterson is confident that he’ll be reinstated in a matter of days, Cole adds that the NFL could throw a wrench in the works by delaying his process. However, if the league office stalls, things could get litigious between the two sides and the NFL would have to justify dragging things along.

Peterson is set to visit with commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday, but it remains unlikely that he will be given the greenlight before April 15th, according to Ed Werder of ESPN.com (Twitter links). When the league does meet with Peterson tomorrow, there will probably be NFL behavioral experts involved in the discussion. The league wants to see Peterson receive treatment and counseling if he is to return to football.

Adrian Peterson To Meet With NFL This Week

April 6th, 2015 at 11:54am CST by Zachary Links

11:54am: The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports tweets.

8:58am: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will meet with the NFL this week to discuss his possible reinstatement, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Peterson is eligible to be considered for reinstatement on April 15th.

The Vikings tailback is currently on the commissioner’s exempt list and whether he seeks a return to Minnesota or elsewhere, he’ll first need the greenlight from the league office. Peterson has made his dissatisfaction with the Vikings very well known and agent Ben Dogra is going “full throttle” in his efforts to get the running back somewhere else. Of course, at this stage of the offseason, most running back situations throughout the league have been addressed, so the market might not be as robust as it would have been just a month ago. It’s also entirely possible that Peterson’s camp is looking to leverage the Vikings into a new deal that would give him more guaranteed money.

The Vikings have made it clear that they have no intentions of trading or releasing No. 28, but that hasn’t stopped the speculation. Recently, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com listed seven teams that could be players for AD, including clubs like the Falcons and Chargers joining oft-mentioned suitors such as the Cowboys and Cardinals. The Cowboys’ have been linked to the Texas native for a very long time, but adding him would have some serious salary cap ramifications.

NFC Notes: Eagles, Peterson, Willis, Draft

April 2nd, 2015 at 10:49am CST by Luke Adams

Wide receiver figures to be a primary area of focus for the Eagles in the draft, and according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, UCF’s Breshad Perriman is paying a visit to the team today. It’s one of 18 pre-draft visits or private workouts Perriman has on his schedule in advance of the draft — the young wideout has had private workouts for the Giants and Texans, and recently visited the Ravens.

In addition to bringing in Perriman, the Eagles are also taking a look at USC’s Nelson Agholor, with Chip Kelly in Tampa today to work out a player he recruited back in his Oregon days (Twitter link via Kevin O’Donnell of WTVT Fox13).. Philadelphia has previously been linked to Agholor, so it looks like that interest is very genuine.

Here’s more out of the NFC:

Former agent Joel Corry of CBSSports.com takes an extended, in-depth look at Adrian Peterson‘s situation in Minnesota, suggesting that if the Vikings were to trade the veteran running back, they probably shouldn’t expect more than a second-round pick in return. Corry also identifies seven potential trade partners for the Vikes, with clubs like the Falcons and Chargers joining oft-mentioned suitors such as the Cowboys and Cardinals.
Speaking to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Corry says he’d be surprised if the 49ers don’t attempt to recoup a portion of Patrick Willis‘ signing bonus, following the linebacker’s retirement. In Corry’s view, the team could probably recover a minimum of $3.54MM from Willis. Chris Borland, who also retired this offseason, previously indicated he’d be returning three-quarters of his signing bonus to the Niners.
Linebacker Darin Drakeford, who participated in last month’s veterans combine, is working out today for the Buccaneers, a league source tells Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
The Lions continue to examine speedy receiving prospects, bringing in UAB’s J.J. Nelson today for a pre-draft visit, writes Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.

Sunday Roundup: Panthers, Thomas, Levy

March 29th, 2015 at 12:46pm CST by Rory Parks

Let’s take a look at some notes from around the league on this Sunday afternoon:

David Newton of ESPN.com passes along a couple of Panthers items. He believes an extension for Cam Newton will get done before the season begins, but both sides will wait until Russell Wilson signs his new deal before really moving forward. The ESPN scribe also expects an extension for Thomas Davis to happen at some point, but there is no real rush to get it done immediately.
Although the Broncos have to seriously consider taking a quarterback with one of their ten draft picks, Mike Kiszla of The Denver Post does not see any of this year’s crops of signal-callers outside of Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota as a legitimate heir to Peyton Manning.
Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com writes that Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians plans to give second-year quarterback Logan Thomas “a ton of work” this offseason. Most of Thomas’ reps will come with the second unit, but given that Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton are coming off injury, there should be opportunities with the first team as well.
Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com believes the Bears will look to the draft for a wide receiver to complement Alshon Jeffery, and they will only turn to the free agent pool if they are unable to adequately address their needs with a rookie or two.
Now that Ndamukong Suh is gone, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com believes DeAndre Levy might be the player to build around as the cornerstone of the Lions‘ defense.
If Jimmy Smith were to hit the open market next offseason, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com believes he would be the best cornerback in the free agent class. But Hensley thinks the Ravens will either lock Smith up with a long-term extension or else put the franchise tag on him, as he is too valuable for the team to let go. Byron Maxwell‘s new six-year deal with the Eagles, which includes $25.5MM guaranteed and has an AAV of $10.5MM, would be a good benchmark for a Smith extension.
David Moore of The Dallas Morning News says it is unlikely that Adrian Peterson will end up with the Cowboys, but given the unpredictability of owner Jerry Jones, it is too soon to dismiss the possibility altogether.

NFC Mailbags: Peterson, Rams, Gurley, Newton

March 28th, 2015 at 5:02pm CST by Rob DiRe

We already took a look at some of the AFC mailbags, now let us turn our attention to what ESPN.com’s writes are saying about the NFC:

The biggest question left for the Cowboys in terms of building their team outside the draft is whether or not they will trade for Adrian Peterson. Todd Archer writes that while you can never rule anything out with the Cowboys, he doesn’t see it as a real possibility.
The Rams are in an odd spot drafting at No. 10, with no obvious players or needs going in that range. Nick Wagoner opened his mailbag to questions about what the team will do if one of the better prospects falls to them, despite not being an immediate fit. He believes the team would have to consider players like Amari Cooper, Kevin White, Vic Beasley, and Randy Gregory should they be available.
The Cardinals have a lot of questions at running back, and Josh Weinfuss explores two options, with the likeliness of either Todd Gurley or Peterson starting at halfback for the team in 2015. Weinfuss writes that while every player is different, Gurley should be ready for the beginning of the season. In the case of Peterson, he notes that the chances of a deal materializing lessen as time goes on.
Cam Newton is coming closer to a contract extension with the Panthers, and David Newton answers questions about his progress this offseason and the team’s opinions of him. He also touches on whether the team would be willing to trade up in the draft, which he hasn’t seen precedent of under general manager Dave Gettleman.

NFC Links: Cowboys, AP, Saints, Bears, 49ers

March 27th, 2015 at 8:13pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The Cowboys seemingly downgraded significantly at running back this offseason in replacing reigning rushing champ DeMarco Murray, who signed with the NFC East rival Eagles, with Darren McFadden. Given that and Adrian Peterson‘s unhappiness with the Vikings, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com took a look at whether Dallas should attempt to acquire the former NFL MVP.

Peterson, 30, has three years left on his current contract, and missed all of last season because of domestic violence issues. His off-field problems aside, Fitzgerald opines that Dallas would be better off steering clear of Peterson because of the difficulty that would come with fitting him under the team’s salary cap. The Cowboys have worked hard in recent years to better their long-term cap situation and they still have to find a way to retain wide receiver Dez Bryant beyond the 2015 season. Adding Peterson, although enticing, would be imprudent.

Here’s a look at some other NFC clubs currently in the news:

The Saints need an edge rusher and could take one with their first-round pick, the 13th overall selection, writes Larry Holder of NOLA.com. “I think we’ll have to draft at least one if not two defensive linemen and or outside linebacker pass rushers,” head coach Sean Payton said. The Saints must generate a better pass rush going forward after finishing an underwhelming 21st in the league in sacks last year.
The staff at CSNChicago.com is analyzing possible draft prospects the Bears could target. The site examined Colorado State offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo, whom it sees as a fit for the Bears in the second or third round.
The 49ers waived cornerback Cameron Fuller on Friday, according to the team’s website. San Francisco signed Fuller to its practice squad late last season and activated him for one game, in which he didn’t play.