On Wednesday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer gave a blunt answer to a question about running back Adrian Peterson’s outlook for the 2015 season.
“He’s got two choices. He can play for us or not play,” Zimmer said.
Peterson is not taking part in the team’s offseason workouts and a report earlier this week indicated the running back wanted to be traded away from the team. Peterson spoke to Josina Anderson of ESPN Wednesday evening and said that wasn’t the case, explaining that his absence is about a desire for security in Minnesota.
“The reason I’m not attending OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded,” Peterson said. “It’s about securing my future with the Vikings. It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings.”
It’s not the first time the subject of Peterson’s contract has come up this month. Peterson’s agent Ben Dogra called for the team to show Peterson “a commitment” to making him a Viking for his entire career.
Peterson is set to make $12.75 million this season and his contract runs through 2017, but none of the $32 million beyond this season is guaranteed so it would be easy for the Vikings to move on at that point. Guaranteeing some of the money would provide some of the security that Peterson says he’s seeking, although there’s been little sign from the Vikings about their willingness to go that route.