The Vikings have decided to let former MVP Adrian Peterson go.
The team announced they were not picking up the option on his contract for next year, making the veteran running back an unrestricted free agent next week.
“Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings organization,” Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. “We will continue to have conversations with his representatives and leave our future options open while determining what is best for both parties moving forward.”
Not paying Peterson $18 million next season was an easy decision, as he’s 31, only played one full season in the last three and is coming off knee surgery.
But it’s still a big Band-aid to pull off for a guy who meant so much to the franchise. The statement alludes to some chance of a return, but he’s already been dropping hints about future destinations, or at least places he’d be interested in.