Adrian Peterson doesn’t want to play for the Minnesota Vikings.
Even if Peterson hasn’t said those exact words up to this point, it’s become pretty clear through the posturing of his agent, Ben Dogra, that Peterson doesn’t want to remain in Minnesota.
Dogra declined a dinner invitation with Vikings general manager Rick Spielman at the league meetings currently underway in Phoenix. On Monday, Dogra ratcheted up the rhetoric in trying to get his client out of Minnesota.
“I don’t think it’s in Adrian’s best interest to play in Minnesota. Why would it be?” Dogra said, via Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com.
One problem for Peterson and Dogra - and a rather large one - is that Peterson is under contract with the Vikings for three more seasons. The size of his contract also presents problems for any team looking to trade for Peterson.
The Vikings informed Dogra that they will not release Peterson, leaving a trade as the only avenue for the running back to leave Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Vikings owner Mark Wilf said to Tom Pelissero of USA Today that Peterson is “an important part of the Minnesota Vikings and we look forward to him being part of our team in 2015.”
Ultimately, the Vikings can just tell Peterson “you play for us or you play for no one.” As badly as Peterson may want out, this is a trump card the Vikings hold. Head coach Mike Zimmer has told PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio that if Peterson wants out, the team will accommodate him.
Nevertheless, Peterson is still a valuable asset and the Vikings won’t just let him walk away. Peterson may have to be open to a significant pay cut in order to become a viable option through trade. The best opportunity for a trade to come together could be in Phoenix while the entire league has representatives in town.