The Vikings want running back Adrian Peterson to return. Peterson, despite recently saying “of course” he wants to play for the Vikings, has serious misgivings.
Those two schools of thought have not yet collided.
Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that Peterson has not asked for a trade to the Cowboys and has not had any conversations with G.M. Rick Spielman.
Both Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer appeared on PFT Live from the Scouting Combine, and both explained that they haven’t spoken to Peterson, because they currently can’t. Once he’s reinstated from suspension, they will.
Zimmer told PFT Live in January and again last month that, if Peterson is dead set against playing for the Vikings, the team would work something out. But Zimmer also has said he believes he’s a good recruiter.
During his most recent visit to PFT Live, I asked Zimmer to pretend I’m Adrian Peterson and to make the case for not eventually requesting a trade. Zimmer did, even calling me Adrian in the process. If anyone (including the real Adrian) is interested in what Zimmer had to say, click the video below.
If Zimmer ultimately can’t persuade Peterson to stay, the question then becomes where he’d be traded. The Cowboys are an obvious destination, given that Peterson has mused about eventually playing for one of the two teams located in his home state of Texas. For now, though, that request hasn’t been made.