Adrian Peterson Won’t Attend Vikings Workouts
By Chase Ruttig
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Running back Adrian Peterson and his recent saga with the Minnesota Vikings will continue as the star rusher will be making another power move in his attempt to get out of the organization following his public displeasure with the team. Adding to Peterson’s very public wishes to be traded outside of Minnesota before the 2015 season begins along with his return from suspension during the 2014 NFL season with the Vikings.
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Peterson is not going to show up to Vikings workouts when they begin this week, making it clear that at this moment he is unwilling to be apart of the organization. Not showing up preventing Peterson from earning $250,000 to show up adding to the gesture that the running back wants no part of being a Viking.
According to Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Peterson isn’t going to show up to claim the workout compensation bonus in his contract. Passing up a quarter of a million dollars to make it known that he isn’t interested in his current playing situation as teams gear up to offer trades to the Vikings to acquire his services.
From the Star-Tribune:
"It’s interesting that on Monday, NFL players have the option of reporting to a team workout. The word is that Peterson would receive $250,000 if he reported to the Vikings camp. But nobody expects him to report under any circumstances.The Vikings insist they will not trade Peterson and that they expect him to make quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s development that much easier if he is in their backfield this season.Now that the NFL has made Peterson eligible to play, I expect Zygi Wilf and his family to make every effort to get him in uniform, including renegotiating his contract so that Peterson receives a lot of guaranteed money."
Peterson has played with the Vikings his entire career, but has soured on his situation after his suspension last year in feeling like the franchise turned their backs on him. That discontent has earned him interest elsewhere, notably with the Raiders, further fuelling the spotlight that is on Peterson with the thought being that at least one team will make an offer the Vikings have to accept if the running back is truly unwilling to remain with the franchise.
Right now that appears to be the case as Peterson is making his first steps in showing to the Vikings that he won’t easily return to the team. The question is if the Vikings can convince Peterson to stay in Minnesota before another team convinces the team that simply trading their running back at a fair price will be the best, and least painful option for them to take. At the present moment the safest bet could be that Adrian Peterson is playing for a different team in 2015 unless the Vikings decide to play hardball with the running back.