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Adrian Peterson

Vikings Don’t Want To Trade Adrian Peterson

February 21st, 2015 at 10:33pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Vikings have no intention of trading embattled running back Adrian Peterson, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link), who reports that Peterson wants to play for the Cowboys. Minnesota is aware of Peterson’s wishes, says Cole, but they don’t plan on honoring his request.

Vikings management has made it clear that they want Peterson to return to the club in 2015, so they’ve clearly considered the potential backlash that would be associated with welcoming him back to the field (and decided it’s a worthwhile risk). Still, Peterson has indicated he’d be “uneasy” about returning to Minnesota because he feels the team wasn’t behind him during his recent ordeal. The 29-year-old Peterson is currently suspended until at least April 15.

It’s a fair question as to whether the Vikings want Peterson back if he won’t accept a pay cut — he’s currently scheduled to count $15.4MM against Minnesota’s cap next year, the highest RB cap figure by more than $4MM. I examined Peterson’s future with the team, including how the running back could exert his leverage over the club’s management, earlier tonight in the Vikings’ Offseason Outlook.

Adrian Peterson “Uneasy” About Vikings

February 19th, 2015 at 9:39pm CST by Zachary Links

Adrian Peterson told Ben Goessling of ESPN.com that he is “still uneasy” about the prospect of returning to the Vikings in 2015. The 2012 NFL MVP said the organization working with the NFL to put him on the commissioner’s exempt list last September made him question how much support he had from the team for whom he has played his entire career.

“It shows you can have all the loyalty toward someone and toward an organization, a fanbase, but when things really shift and it’s you or the empire, they’re gonna put you out on a leash,” he said. “I said, ‘Of course (I would love to come back to the Vikings, after a court hearing in Minneapolis on Feb. 6).’ I said it. But my emotions, as far as those things I feel, those are for players like (linebacker) Chad Greenway, those guys that play the game just like me, that have the same passion I have, the same goal I have, to win a championship. That’s where it comes from. It don’t come from the organization. I’m not in a good place when it comes to that.”

The Vikings have tried to mend fences, with GM Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer reaching out to Peterson, but that has been to no avail so far, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Peterson seems intent on a fresh start somewhere else and if that happens, it’ll come via trade (link) since the Vikings do not plan on cutting AD.

Peterson is under contract for 2015, and is scheduled to earn a base salary of $12.75MM. All of the key Vikings figures, including Spielman, Zimmer, and team president Mark Wilf, have publicly made it known that they expect to have Peterson playing for them in 2015. Unfortunately for them, it doesn’t sound like No. 28 is on board with that plan.

Vikings Notes: AP, Greenway, Draft, FAs

February 19th, 2015 at 10:59am CST by Luke Adams

A day after Vikings general manager Rick Spielman suggested that he was confident Adrian Peterson will stay with the Vikings, head coach Mike Zimmer echoed that stance. As Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press tweets, Zimmer doesn’t think the team will look at running backs in free agency, with Peterson set to be reinstated in April. Of course, if the Vikings do pass on free agent running backs, then decide to move on from Peterson, the position figures to be a top priority in the draft.

We’ve got plenty more Vikings-related tidbits to pass along, so let’s dive right in….

  • Although he acknowledged that this year’s free agent and draft classes aren’t particularly strong for middle linebackers, Zimmer would like to add a three-down player at the position, if possible. If the club can’t add a player who fits that bill, Zimmer is fine with using a committe approach at the MLB spot (Twitter links via Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune).
  • Speaking of linebackers, Zimmer also said today in an appearance on KFAN 100.3 that he believes Chad Greenway is still the best player at his position on the Vikings’ roster, and that Greenway will have the opportunity to have a role with the team going forward (Twitter link).
  • In his segment on KFAN, Zimmer also mentioned that the Vikes would like to add a young developmental quarterback in this year’s draft, per Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Obviously, that QB would be groomed as Teddy Bridgewater‘s backup rather than someone who would replace last year’s first-round pick.
  • Asked on Wednesday about his team’s approach in free agency, Spielman said, “I don’t believe in going out and spending a huge amount in free agency unless it’s something unique” (Twitter link via Tomasson).

Vikings GM Expects To Retain Adrian Peterson

February 18th, 2015 at 10:42am CST by Luke Adams

While the general consensus as recently as a few weeks ago suggested that Adrian Peterson‘s time in Minnesota was probably over, members of the Vikings’ brass have been going to bat for the embattled running back lately. Today, Vikes general manager Rick Spielman became the latest key member of the organization to suggest he wants to see Peterson wearing purple again in 2015, as Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press details.

“I think our whole organization is on that same page (about wanting Peterson back),” Spielman said. “What team wouldn’t want an Adrian Peterson talent? He’s a unique player that you don’t see come around too often and Adrian’s been a key part of our organization. He’s made a mistake. He’s doing everything and he’s got to follow through and rectify and do the things the NFL is requiring him to do.”

Peterson and the Vikings are in a tricky situation, given where his suspension and his contract currently stand. The team isn’t allowed to be in contact at this time with the running back, who isn’t eligible for reinstatement until at least April 15. Once he’s reinstated, Minnesota will likely want to address his contract, since Peterson is currently on the books for a $12.75MM base salary and a $15.4MM cap hit.

Since the free agent period begins several weeks before Peterson is eligible to be reinstated, most teams will have already completed their major offseason roster moves by that point, meaning the running back’s leverage will be reduced. That may be one reason why the Vikes are leaning toward bringing him back — AP may be more inclined to take a pay cut or restructure his deal if there aren’t many other legit suitors out there for him, particularly if Minnesota continues to publicly support him while he serves the suspension.

Besides addressing Peterson, Spielman also said today that he likes Matt Cassel, but wouldn’t commit to whether or not the Vikings have decided to bring him back as their backup quarterback for 2015, tweets Tomasson.

NFC East Links: Romo, Peterson, Gregory

February 14th, 2015 at 3:12pm CST by Rob DiRe

It will be a big offseason for some NFC East teams, as the division has seen a lot of turnover the past few years. With all four teams competitive, it wouldn’t be totally surprising to see the Cowboys going from first to worst or Washington to achieve the reverse. While both teams are setting themselves up for successful 2015 seasons, here are some links from around the NFC East:

  • Cowboys‘ starting quarterback Tony Romo turns 35 this April, and there may be some concerns about the signal-caller’s age, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPN.com. Taylor notes that since Jim Plunkett won Super Bowl XVIII, only two quarterbacks have led their team’s to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at age 35 or older. John Elway did it twice during the twilight of his career, and Tom Brady just a few weeks ago. Brady’s remarkable performance gives Taylor hope for Romo, showing that in the right offense and with the right coach, quarterbacks can continue to achieve into their late thirties. Romo has the benefit of a great offensive line and a consistent running game, and after being asked to throw the ball fewer than 30 times per game for the first time in his NFL career, the Cowboys might have the recipe for success with the old passer at the helm.
  • Dallas has big decisions to make regarding Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, and those two have both been story lines followed closely at PFR. ESPN’s NFL Front Office takes a look at the conversations that could be going on in the Cowboys‘ headquarters. They note that giving Bryant a long-term extension is a general manager’s nightmare but a coach’s dream. The group also writes that re-signing Murray would be nice, but Adrian Peterson would be the home run choice.
  • ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. put together his second mock draft of the offseason this week, projecting Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory to be selected by Washington fifth overall. With Mariota currently falling to sixth, the best case scenario could be another quarterback-needy team moving heaven and earth to jump ahead of the Jets to select him, giving Washington leverage to make a big trade to move down in the draft, writes John Keim of ESPN.com. Keim also notes that while the team has needs at safety, corner, and along the offensive line, none currently look to be worthy of a top-five pick. If Washington targets wide receiver Amari Cooper, the team would have to hope he falls past Oakland at fourth overall.

AFC Mailbags: Chiefs, Raiders, Colts, Jags

February 14th, 2015 at 8:55am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday morning, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s start off the day with some whispers from the AFC…

NFC Notes: AP, Bynes, McCown, 49ers, Eagles

February 12th, 2015 at 5:01pm CST by Luke Adams

The Vikings announced today that they’ve promoted Kevin Warren to chiefs operating officer of the franchise, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wondered this morning if that could mean the end of Adrian Peterson‘s time in Minnesota. After all, when Peterson said during the 2014 season that someone in the organization was working against him, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the running back was referring to Warren.

However, on a conference call this afternoon, Warren told reporters, including Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (all Twitter links), that he’d welcome back Peterson with open arms. Although Warren didn’t deny Schefter’s report, he did say, “I can tell you my feelings about Adrian are very positive. I hope he finishes his career here in Minnesota.”

As Goessling observes in his latest ESPN.com article on Peterson, the tone from the Vikings’ front office when discussing the running back seems to have shifted. Whether that signals an increased willingness from the Vikings to bring back the former MVP, or perhaps a desire to improve their trade leverage, things should get interesting as his reinstatement nears, writes Goessling.

Here’s more from across the NFC:

  • Linebacker Josh Bynes, who had been eligible for restricted free agency, won’t receive a contract tender from the Lions, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Nonetheless, the Lions have informed Bynes that they’d still like to re-sign him, presumably at a rate closer to the minimum salary. The 25-year-old will have a chance to speak to other suitors next month.
  • There’s no truth to rumors that Josh McCown could’ve remained with the Buccaneers if he had been willing to accept a pay cut, according to the quarterback (link via Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune). McCown also indicated that at least a half-dozen teams have already expressed interest in signing him (Twitter link via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times).
  • The 49ers have key free agents in Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, and Mike Iupati, but the franchise tag isn’t a viable option to keep any of those three players, writes Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. I reached the same conclusion last weekend when I looked at the NFC West’s franchise tag candidates.
  • Examining the inside linebacker position for the Eagles, Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com says he thinks the team should try to extend Mychal Kendricks this offseason. Kapadia also admits he has “no clue” which direction the Eagles will go with DeMeco Ryans, who is generally productive when healthy, but has a pricey cap hit ($6.9MM) that includes no guaranteed money.

NFC North Notes: Marshall, Peterson, Favre

February 11th, 2015 at 10:10pm CST by Zachary Links

Brandon Marshall wants to return to the Bears but he hasn’t received any assurances he will next season, Patrick Finley of Chicago Sun-Times writes. “I definitely love Chicago, but I definitely understand it’s a business on both ends,” Marshall said. “For me, I wanna win. The organization wants to win. (Owner Virginia) McCaskey wants to win. So we’re definitely aligned there. But there’s a business side on both ends, and I get that.” The wide receiver is coming off of an injury-plagued season and is scheduled to make $7.5MM in 2015, leading some to believe that the new regime might look to cut ties with him. More from the NFC North..

  • Vikings president Mark Wilf expressed support for the idea of embattled running back Adrian Peterson returning to the team, as Ben Goessling of ESPN.com writes. “Adrian’s done a lot of good in this community,” Wilf said. “He’s done a lot for us on the football field, as well. Of course, he’s a Minnesota Viking, and we’d love to have him back. And of course, a lot depends on the NFL and steps he’s making in his own personal journey. That’s where we’re at with it.“
  • The Vikings have decisions to make on the fifth-year options of left tackle Matt Kalil and safety Harrison Smith and Brian Hall of FOX Sports North looked at the pros and cons.
  • Former Packers GM Ron Wolf spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio (via Twitter) on the 23rd anniversary of Green Bay trading their first-round choice to the Falcons for Brett Favre. “If it came to it, I would have given a number one up to get Favre to Green Bay. I was ready to pull the trigger no matter what,” Wolf said.

Latest On Adrian Peterson Hearing

February 6th, 2015 at 8:24pm CST by Rob DiRe

Adrian Peterson’s hearing began today, with NFL and NFLPA attorneys arguing to U.S. District Jude David Doty over whether the ruling to suspend Peterson – and to extend that suspension through to April – was just.

Union representative Jeffrey Kessler argued that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acted outside of his power in suspending Peterson under the personal conduct policy put in place in late August. The NFLPA also believes that arbitrator Harold Henderson was biased in his decision to uphold the suspension, according to Ben Goessling of ESPN.com.

NFL attorney Daniel Nash was present to counter the NFLPA’s testimony, and reiterated that the NFL believes that the suspension was warranted.

Peterson was upbeat after the first day of the hearing. “Felt good. Felt like I got a fair hearing,” said Peterson, according to Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press (via Twitter).

The 30-year old running back was asked if he would like to return to the Vikings in 2015, replying simply, “Of course,” writes Murphy (via Twitter). However, Peterson did not address whether he would consider taking a pay cut to remain with the team.

In a video on Bleacher Report, lead NFL writer Jason Cole explains that while Peterson is looking to resolve this matter quickly, the NFL would prefer to drag this along. With free agency beginning on March 10, Peterson would like to be reinstated by that date in order for him to return to the Vikings, be traded, or be released and allowed to sign freely with another franchise.

The NFL wants to have this last past that date, to ensure Peterson does not get the full advantages of free agency, and in part helping the Vikings retain leverage over their face-of-the-franchise running back.

NFC Notes: Randle, Guion, Lions, Peterson

February 4th, 2015 at 4:59pm CST by Luke Adams

As first reported by KAKE.com, Cowboys running back Joseph Randle was arrested in Wichita early this morning on a drug charge after officers responsded to a call and found marijuana in his hotel room. Randle’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, contended (via Twitter) that his client was simply cited with a ticket rather than being arrested, but Wichita police says it’s still considered an arrest even though Randle wasn’t taken into custody, tweets David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. As Joel Corry of CBSSports.com points out (via Twitter), Randle’s latest off-field incident may have the side effect of giving DeMarco Murray some leverage in contract negotiations with the Cowboys this winter.

Another arrest that could have an effect on free agency leads off this afternoon’s NFC notes — let’s dive in….

  • Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion, a prospective free agent, was arrested for possession of marijuana in Starke, Florida late Tuesday night, reports Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. The timing of the incident was unfortunate for Guion, who had been engaged in talks with the Packers about a long-term deal, and had just been the subject of a glowing article from Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com. Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Twitter links) has more details on what police found on Guion, including a firearm, $190K+ in U.S. currency, and 357 grams of marijuana.
  • Ron Zook, who worked as the Packers‘ assistant special teams coach this past season, is the favorite to become the club’s new special teams coordinator, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
  • The Lions may have a need at cornerback if they don’t re-sign Rashean Mathis, and veteran Charles Tillman of the division-rival Bears wouldn’t rule out the possibility of heading to Detroit, writes Kyle Meinke of MLive.com.
  • Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press previews Friday’s federal court hearing, which will pit suspended Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and the NFLPA against the NFL.
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