Minnesota Vikings chief operating officer Kevin Warren is the latest executive to publicly support running back Adrian Peterson and his potential return to the team. Warren said that the team "would welcome Adrian back once he gets all the open items resolved with the league," and that he feels "the exact same way," according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
Vikings executive wants Adrian Peterson back in 2015, Rams find offensive coordinator and other NFL news
In other news, Julius Thomas wants top money and the Saints re-signed two players.
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Warren was promoted to his new position on Thursday, and made these comments about Peterson in an introductory conference call. Others have already said as much to this point, including owner and president Mark Wilf, who said as recently as Wednesday that the Vikings would “love to have him back.” Wilf noted this depends on Peterson’s issues with the league and “the steps he’s making on his own personal journey” going the right way.
Peterson was indicted in Texas on a felony charge of child abuse in September. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault and admitted to hitting his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch but claimed he did not intend to actually cause harm. He was initially on the commissioner’s exempt list after his indictment, which disallowed him from playing but still paid him weekly. After his plea, Roger Goodell suspended him for the remainder of the 2014 season. He’s scheduled to be reinstated on April 15, and the Vikings are ready for him to return and continue playing with the organization.
Rams promote offensive assistants
The St. Louis Rams have been searching for an offensive coordinator this offseason after Brian Schottenheimer left to become the offensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs. But rather than hire someone from outside the organization, the team has promoted from within. Former quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti will take over as the offensive coordinator, and tight ends coach Rob Boras has been promoted to assistant head coach/offense.
Cignetti will be the primary play-caller, according to the team's announcement, and will take the lead on game-planning. Boras will also remain the tight ends coach in addition to his new assistant duties. Cignetti has been the quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons, helping Austin Davis look solid a season ago and Sam Bradford, when healthy, in seasons prior.
Thomas wants to be paid like a top TE
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas is set to hit free agency when the new league year begins, and the Broncos will likely have to pay up if they want to keep him around. Thomas, who has 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons, believes that he should be paid among the league's highest-paid players at his position, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.
Thomas has dealt with injuries and isn't known for amassing huge yardage in games, but he's among the best red zone threats in the league, and as Legwold notes, he'll probably be a priority target of some team this offseason. Unfortunately for Denver, they also have Demaryius Thomas on an expiring contract, so they'll have to deal with him. It's looking more and more like they'll be unable to keep the tight end in Denver.
Saints re-sign Haralson, Graham
The New Orleans Saints re-signed outside linebacker Parys Haralson to a one-year deal on Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Haralson started 12 games for the Saints last season and has been a consistent run defender since he joined the team. He was originally signed to be a pass-rusher, but with three sacks a season ago, it's definitely not his strong suit.
New Orleans also re-signed kicker Shayne Graham to a one-year deal, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports. Graham played well for the Saints last season, connecting on 86.4 percent of his field goals, including 9 of 9 between 30-39 yards out. He missed two from 40-49 yards and one from 50-plus yards. It's worth noting that the Saints simply did not attempt very many field goals last season, with just 22 attempts. The team with the most attempts was the New York Jets (39).
Thomas retires from NFL
Former New York Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas announced his retirement from the league on Thursday, via the team's official website. Thomas, 30, has dealt with three separate ACL tears over the course of his football career. The first time he tore it was in college, and then again with the Giants in 2011, after solid seasons in both 2009 and 2010. The 2011 tear came in the preseason, making his return near training camp the following season. There he tore the ACL again, sidelining him until 2013.
Fortunately for Thomas, he was able to play in all 16 games in 2013, and actually looked pretty solid. By the end of the season, he was starting. Once the offseason hit and he became a free agent, though, no team would sign him due to his knee injuries. Thomas said that multiple teams wanted to sign him, but that doctors would not approve his knee. He stated that he is proud of his accomplishments and his ability to come back from such debilitating injuries.
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