Minnesota Vikings Rumors: Adrian Peterson Tells Team He Wants Out, Trade Now Appears Likely
The Minnesota Vikings were rumored to be getting closer to a deal to keep running back Adrian Peterson, but a sudden shift now all but assures that Peterson will be playing somewhere other than Minnesota next year.
Things between Peterson and the Vikings have been tense for several months, dating back to Peterson’s arrest for child abuse early in the 2014 season. Sources say that Peterson was unhappy with how his team handled the situation and felt that they didn’t support them.
Despite the bad blood, the Vikings had been meeting with Peterson’s agent and were reportedly making at least some progress on a new deal.
That all appears lost now. Peterson’s camp is reportedly pulling out of talks, leading to what will likely be a parting.
#NFL source: #Vikings GM Rick Spielman requested dinner meeting w/ Adrian Peterson’s agent at owner’s meetings. It was rejected. Not good.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 20, 2015
On Friday night, ESPN’s Ben Goessling reported that all talks between Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings had ceased, and the All-Pro running back was almost guaranteed to be leaving.
Thought continued meetings between AP, Vikings were a good sign. But those have stopped. Was told today Peterson wants to play elsewhere. — Ben Goessling (@GoesslingESPN) March 21, 2015
There had been several teams rumored to be interested in trading with the Minnesota Vikings to land Peterson. The most likely landing point for Peterson, the Dallas Cowboys, have acquired Darren McFadden in free agency but are still looking for a top running back.
It’s not clear if Adrian Peterson might is still a target for Dallas. The Cowboys are reportedly looking at the draft, where they might be able to land some of the top talent.
NBC Dallas-Fort Worth explained the Cowboys’ situation.
“Melvin Gordon, along with Georgia running back Todd Gurley, are pretty much widely considered as the top two running backs in the upcoming NFL draft, and the Dallas Cowboys obviously need a running back to help replace the departed NFL rushing champ DeMarco Murray.”
But that may not preclude the Cowboys from looking at Peterson. New York Post columnist Mark Cannizzaro said the running back could still be in the plans for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
“Perhaps Jones still is interested in Peterson — even with McFadden having been signed to a modest two-year contract.
“If Dallas is interested in acquiring Peterson, the question Cowboys fans would have to ask is this: Why let Murray go because they didn’t want to pay him the $8 million per year the Eagles did and bring in Peterson, who’s due to make $12.75 million in 2015, $14.75 million in 2016 and $15.75 million in 2017?”
The Dallas Cowboys are not the only team interested in making a deal with the Minnesota Vikings for Adrian Peterson. The Arizona Cardinals have also reportedly expressed interest in a trade as well.
[Image via Getty]
