Adrian Peterson is under contract to the Vikings, scheduled to make more money for them than any other team would likely pay a running back in 2015. So it's unfortunate that he apparently doesn't want to play for them, and Minnesota might be just as well off without him.
Maybe that's too strong a statement, since Peterson is one of the best running backs the league has ever seen. But he's 30 years old, the Vikings have a very young offensive team with other candidates to run the ball who are ready to play, and the relationship between Peterson and the organization appears to be pretty bad right now.
First off, Peterson's agent apparently rejected a request to meet with GM Rick Spielman during owners' meetings. Peterson himself was saying as far back as February that he wasn't sure about returning to Minnesota.
Peterson is due to make close to $13 million next season, a lot for a running back, any running back, in today's NFL. Without Peterson, the Vikings could start second-year back Jerick McKinnon, and use Matt Asiata or another youngster in a complementary role. Sounds good to McKinnon, who says he's ready to be the guy.
Larry Fitzgerald this week said he'd love it if the Cardinals could add Peterson. I don't really fully understand the league's rules on tampering and whatnot; the Jets could be fined or lose a draft pick if the owner says it'd be great to bring back Darrelle Revis, who's about to be available, but a face of the franchise star like Fitzgerald can talk about bringing in a star player under contract and it's no big deal. I get that Fitzgerald doesn't sign team checks, but the line between what's OK and what isn't is kind of fuzzy.
In any case, there's little doubt that Peterson remains an elite talent and will probably have a big 2015 season for some team. The fantasy question is whether he'll destroy the value of McKinnon, Andre Ellington, or some other running back. Maybe between now and the draft we'll have a little clarity.
Best guess: it's over for Peterson in Minnesota. He doesn't want to return, and they don't really want to pay him $13 million. They won't want to just release him, though, so they'll try to work out a trade with some team who also convinces Peterson to rework his contract -- lower base salary, but with incentives that enable him to cash in big if he has a big year. Peterson won't want to give up any money, but he'll bet on himself, and assume the slight risk of injury or underperformance to get onto a different team.
--Andy Richardson