The Minnesota Vikings began their organized team activities (OTAs) this week, but superstar running back Adrian Peterson was not among the players in attendance. Now, he has told ESPN's Josina Anderson that his absence has nothing to do with pressuring the team for a trade. Rather, Peterson claims that his goal is to secure his future in the Twin Cities.
Adrian Peterson says OTA absence not about securing a trade
The running back has said that he wants to make sure he remains a member of the Vikings beyond the 2015 season.
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Peterson made noise all offseason regarding his uneasiness about playing for the Vikings in 2015. His decision to stay away from OTAs prompted Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer to give Peterson an ultimatum to either play for the Vikings or nobody at all. If taken at his word, the former MVP would like to continue playing with his current team as long as more of his contract becomes guaranteed.
As it stands, the Vikings could release Peterson after the season and completely escape the $32 million left on his contract. As a running back over the age of 30, Peterson and agent Ben Dogra understand that he’s unlikely to most or all of that money if the Vikings don’t restructure his deal ahead of time.
However, the team holds the leverage at this time. Peterson remains under contract through 2017 and has no alternatives to playing for the Vikings other than retirement. As he’s scheduled to make $13 million this season, that route appears highly unlikely.
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