Adrian Peterson Has 20 Million NEW Reasons to Smile

21 Jul, 2015

Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings agreed Tuesday to restructure the final three years of his contract, giving the six-time Pro Bowl running back $20 million in guaranteed money.

The Vikings announced the agreement four days before players will report to training camp, clearing away any lingering haze that surrounded their relationship with Peterson. Initially disinterested in returning to the team following his reinstatement by the NFL, Peterson softened this spring and took part in several offseason practices with the Vikings last month.

Peterson and his lead agent, Ben Dogra, didn’t appear to have any leverage in negotiations once Vikings general manager Rick Spielman stood firm in his intent to keep Peterson on the team rather than trade him. But despite the drama of the past several months, Peterson got the guaranteed money he sought, another sign of the organization’s widespread appreciation of him.

In a statement distributed by the Vikings, Peterson said he was pleased by the team’s good-faith effort.

“I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL,” Peterson said in the statement. “It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again.”

Peterson, out of action for all but one game last year because of the child abuse charge he faced involving his young son, came back from his personal conduct policy suspension with $45 million left on his existing contract. None of that money, however, was guaranteed.

Peterson will be the highest-paid running back in the league.

The revamped contract clearly is designed for him to be in Minnesota’s backfield when US Bank Stadium opens in 2016.

“This agreement is a win for both Adrian and the Vikings and is a positive step toward Adrian finishing his career as a Minnesota Viking,” Spielman said in a statement distributed by the team. “As we have consistently said, Adrian is a valuable part of the Vikings organization and we look forward to his return to the field.”

AP

Image artsjournal.com

Mentioned In This Post: