Vikings RB Adrian Peterson wants to return, open to pay cut

[720pete]

Sordid personal history, 3 knee surgeries, fumble machine, can't catch passes out the backfield, 32 years old.

I'd offer a 1-year $3 million contract.

[J. Kapp 11]

From an organizational standpoint I think you have him take a paycut but still pay him "more than he is worth" for 2 reasons.

He brings the organization revenue.

He adds a lot in terms of team morale. Work ethic is contagious. Much like the way the entire team played for Favre, on some level they will do the same with Peterson, especially rookies.

What revenue? Jersey sales? Peterson does not show up in the top 25. Harrison Smith does, at #22 (ironically enough). But no Adrian Peterson.

Team morale? We have no way of knowing this. We're not in the locker room. Maybe it's the opposite. I mean, do you think team morale was high when he fumbled away the team's chance to get back into the game against the Colts? Or when "All Day" came down with a season-ending groin injury after 6 carries against the Colts? How about when he said he'd only play if the playoffs were on the line? How about when he was paid $10 million in 2014 to stay home WHILE HE WAS SUSPENDED -- and THEN claimed the Vikings cost him $10 million more? Did that help team morale?

Teams get into trouble when they pay ANY player more than he's worth. Check sportrac.com and see if any New England Patriots are overpaid. Not even Tom Brady is overpaid -- he's potentially the MVP of the league. Meanwhile, the Vikings gave Adrian Peterson a $42 million deal in the offseason AFTER he was suspended for an entire season. And that was a restructure of the incredibly bloated 6-year, $83 million contract he'd signed previously.

If he can get another team to overpay him, then good for him. But we've paid the man $37 million to NOT PLAY for 2 of the past 3 seasons. Enough already. Life goes on, even without Adrian Peterson.

[Muqali]

What revenue? Jersey sales? Peterson does not show up in the top 25. Harrison Smith does, at #22 (ironically enough). But no Adrian Peterson.

Team morale? We have no way of knowing this. We're not in the locker room. Maybe it's the opposite. I mean, do you think team morale was high when he fumbled away the team's chance to get back into the game against the Colts? Or when "All Day" came down with a season-ending groin injury after 6 carries against the Colts? How about when he said he'd only play if the playoffs were on the line? How about when he was paid $10 million in 2014 to stay home WHILE HE WAS SUSPENDED -- and THEN claimed the Vikings cost him $10 million more? Did that help team morale?

Teams get into trouble when they pay ANY player more than he's worth. Check sportrac.com and see if any New England Patriots are overpaid. Not even Tom Brady is overpaid -- he's potentially the MVP of the league. Meanwhile, the Vikings gave Adrian Peterson a $42 million deal in the offseason AFTER he was suspended for an entire season. And that was a restructure of the incredibly bloated 6-year, $83 million contract he'd signed previously.

If he can get another team to overpay him, then good for him. But we've paid the man $37 million to NOT PLAY for 2 of the past 3 seasons. Enough already. Life goes on, even without Adrian Peterson.

If you think Adrian Peterson provides the opposite in the locker room then you assume that our coaching staff is not just maybe figuratively retarded, but actually really physically and mentally retarded. Zimmer talked about the way Peterson practices in as recent in his last press conference. He was still the leading rusher 1 year ago behind the leagues worst OL. I realize 1 year is a long time when you are 32. When I say overpay, I am talking about 5-6 mill, because it seems most fans limit is 4mill, which would be an insult. That's what the Jets are paying Matt Forte, who is no Adrian Peterson and is the same age.

Quick reminder: We went from having the leading rusher to being dead last in rushing. I can't help but hope both parties can be reasonable.

Tom Brady is paid under the table. There is no way he's not. If Tom Brady isn't paid under the table, then Peterson took no illegal substances to recover from his injuries.

[IrishViking]

If you think Adrian Peterson provides the opposite in the locker room then you assume that our coaching staff is not just maybe figuratively retarded, but actually really physically and mentally retarded. Zimmer talked about the way Peterson practices in as recent in his last press conference. He was still the leading rusher 1 year ago behind the leagues worst OL. I realize 1 year is a long time when you are 32. When I say overpay, I am talking about 5-6 mill, because it seems most fans limit is 4mill, which would be an insult. That's what the Jets are paying Matt Forte, who is no Adrian Peterson and is the same age.

Quick reminder: We went from having the leading rusher to being dead last in rushing. I can't help but hope both parties can be reasonable.

Tom Brady is paid under the table. There is no way he's not. If Tom Brady isn't paid under the table, then Peterson took no illegal substances to recover from his injuries.

The let him be insulted and we can move on.

There is NO reason to keep AP unless he is affordable. He isn't a game changer anymore and, lets be honest, he is fragile. He is extremely fragile. In a 10 year career he has played in all 16 games only FOUR times. 20% of the time, literally 1 out of 5 seasons, he gets a season ending injury during the year.

He has a game play rate of roughly 75%

Think about that. We paid him HOW much to play in only 3 out of every 4 games we have had since we drafted him.

This doesn't even take into account how many times he has been "knocked out" of a game with substantial amounts of time left to be played.

If you were to break it down by quarters I would not be shocked to see the percentage drop to around 70 if not just below it.

We paid AP probably all told around, what? 80-100 million? All to play in 70% of the quarters we have had since drafting him.

Before I did the math for this post I was in the pay him 4 million camp. Now I am in the let him walk and ask for 30% of his pay back camp

[chicagopurple]

Who cares what HE wants.....
He is done...bad personal life, bad knees, fragile, cant pass block worth crap, and constantly drops the ball at bad times......

This is the NFL....when you are old, you are GONE....that is the way of winning teams like the Pats. Of Course, the Vikes will keep this guy around to make the fans "happy" and waste money and roster space that COULD be used to actually become a real contender.....just watch.....

HE made MILLIONS over the last 5 years for just sitting on his butt via the IR....ENOUGH...see ya!

[Texas Vike]

The let him be insulted and we can move on.

There is NO reason to keep AP unless he is affordable. He isn't a game changer anymore and, lets be honest, he is fragile. He is extremely fragile. In a 10 year career he has played in all 16 games only FOUR times. 20% of the time, literally 1 out of 5 seasons, he gets a season ending injury during the year.

He has a game play rate of roughly 75%

Think about that. We paid him HOW much to play in only 3 out of every 4 games we have had since we drafted him.

This doesn't even take into account how many times he has been "knocked out" of a game with substantial amounts of time left to be played.

If you were to break it down by quarters I would not be shocked to see the percentage drop to around 70 if not just below it.

We paid AP probably all told around, what? 80-100 million? All to play in 70% of the quarters we have had since drafting him.

Before I did the math for this post I was in the pay him 4 million camp. Now I am in the let him walk and ask for 30% of his pay back camp

Great post. Thanks for doing the math.

It is SO time to move on, but recent articles (one from Vikings.com in particular) that quote Zimmer give me the feeling that they intend to keep him around.
Here's the piece I was referring to (compare what he says of Floyd and AD):

Even though Adrian Peterson and Sharrif Floyd are under contract for 2017, there were questions asked regarding both players on Tuesday, one day after Peterson told reporters he would “love to continue to be a part” of the “great things going on in Minnesota.”
When asked if he’s “hopeful” that Peterson will be on the team in 2017, Zimmer said, “Well, Adrian is under contract.”
“Adrian’s been a tremendous player here for the Vikings for 10 years,” Zimmer said. “He’s done some unbelievable things and he’s under contract, so yes.”
Peterson missed all but three games in 2016 because of a torn meniscus he suffered against Green Bay in Week 2.
He finished his 10th season with 72 rushing yards on 37 carries and three catches for 8 yards a season after winning his third rushing title.
Zimmer said Peterson’s practices after coming back from the injury helped provide him with evaluation material.
“Now there isn’t a lot to look at, but I was able to see him every day in practice and things that he was able to do. I was able to evaluate,” Zimmer said. “I’m upstairs right now watching cut-ups that go through the entire point of the season. You know, part of it is evaluating not just him, but did we block this thing right? Did we get this done? So, there’s a lot of different things as we move forward.”
As for Floyd, who missed all but the season opener with a knee injury, Zimmer said, “Well, we’re evaluating everything right now. So, Sharrif is under contract, and I know [General Manager] Rick [Spielman] is in charge with all of that. So, we’ll see where it goes.”

http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/N ... 54ba9ba794

[Jordysghost]

If you think Adrian Peterson provides the opposite in the locker room then you assume that our coaching staff is not just maybe figuratively retarded, but actually really physically and mentally retarded. Zimmer talked about the way Peterson practices in as recent in his last press conference. He was still the leading rusher 1 year ago behind the leagues worst OL. I realize 1 year is a long time when you are 32. When I say overpay, I am talking about 5-6 mill, because it seems most fans limit is 4mill, which would be an insult. That's what the Jets are paying Matt Forte, who is no Adrian Peterson and is the same age.

Quick reminder: We went from having the leading rusher to being dead last in rushing. I can't help but hope both parties can be reasonable.

Tom Brady is paid under the table. There is no way he's not. If Tom Brady isn't paid under the table, then Peterson took no illegal substances to recover from his injuries.

I don't think Brady is payed under the table, they just signed him to a savvy contract and it was a few years ago, the way the market works isnt always reflective upon talent, Flacco and Luck both have more ridiculous deals then the top guys in the league.

[Demi]

Of course he does. This was the only team that would overpay him for the last few years, maybe they'll be the only team to do so for the next few.

Don't let the door hit you.

Wait, no, let it hit you.

[slapnut19]

might get ripped for this one, but i'd be fine with cutting peterson and signing eddie lacy. he's the perfect back to pair with mckinnon, or with a rookie smaller type back

[fiestavike]

might get ripped for this one, but i'd be fine with cutting peterson and signing eddie lacy. he's the perfect back to pair with mckinnon, or with a rookie smaller type back

Never quite understood the hard-on McCarthy has for Lacy. I think he's a scary player with a lot of potential.

[J. Kapp 11]

If you think Adrian Peterson provides the opposite in the locker room then you assume that our coaching staff is not just maybe figuratively retarded, but actually really physically and mentally retarded. Zimmer talked about the way Peterson practices in as recent in his last press conference. He was still the leading rusher 1 year ago behind the leagues worst OL. I realize 1 year is a long time when you are 32. When I say overpay, I am talking about 5-6 mill, because it seems most fans limit is 4mill, which would be an insult. That's what the Jets are paying Matt Forte, who is no Adrian Peterson and is the same age.

Quick reminder: We went from having the leading rusher to being dead last in rushing. I can't help but hope both parties can be reasonable.

Tom Brady is paid under the table. There is no way he's not. If Tom Brady isn't paid under the table, then Peterson took no illegal substances to recover from his injuries.

OK, first of all, Tom Brady is "paid under the table"? What the hell does that even mean? Better question, why am I even responding to that? In 10 years on this board, that may be the most ... never mind.

Second, if you think Mike Zimmer gushes about Adrian Peterson, then I can only assume you haven't watched a single press conference in the entire time Zimmer has been coach. I've watched nearly all of them, and 9 out of 10 times, when Mike Zimmer is asked about Adrian Peterson, his answer is, "I don't want to talk about Adrian Peterson. I want to talk about guys who are playing."

I can't read Zimmer's mind, but I'd bet my house that he'd rather have a player who plays than one who sucks up $37 million in cap space to play 20 games in 3 years.

You might want to get used to the idea that Adrian Peterson may very well be finished as a Viking.

[Alaskan]

The let him be insulted and we can move on.

There is NO reason to keep AP unless he is affordable. He isn't a game changer anymore and, lets be honest, he is fragile. He is extremely fragile. In a 10 year career he has played in all 16 games only FOUR times. 20% of the time, literally 1 out of 5 seasons, he gets a season ending injury during the year.

He has a game play rate of roughly 75%

Think about that. We paid him HOW much to play in only 3 out of every 4 games we have had since we drafted him.

This doesn't even take into account how many times he has been "knocked out" of a game with substantial amounts of time left to be played.

If you were to break it down by quarters I would not be shocked to see the percentage drop to around 70 if not just below it.

We paid AP probably all told around, what? 80-100 million? All to play in 70% of the quarters we have had since drafting him.

Before I did the math for this post I was in the pay him 4 million camp. Now I am in the let him walk and ask for 30% of his pay back camp

Wow! I was long ago ready to be done with AD......but after reading this, I won't watch them next year if they keep him any longer.

[Mothman]

If Peterson's overpaid, it's certainly not his fault so it seems to me that some of the anger and resentment being expressed is misdirected.

Just to put a little perspective on the math being tossed around above: Peterson played in 103 of his first 112 regular season games with the Vikings (and if I recall correctly, he didn't miss any of the postseason games). In other words, he played in over 90% of the the team's games over that period. He played in all 16 games in 2015 too so the teeth-gnashing about missed time basically boils down to a handful of games in his first 7 seasons, plus 2014 and 2016. I'm not going to get into discussing 2014. That's a minefield. Suffice to say he was the catalyst for that missed time, it could have been avoided and there's good reason to be upset about it.

This season? Injuries happen, especially to older players. The Vikes knew the risks and they rolled the dice. All Peterson did was sign on the dotted line and all we have to do is look to last season to understand why the Vikings were willing to take the risk. With Peterson in the lineup for 16 games and carrying the ball 327 times, the Vikings had their only winning season thus far under Zimmer, won a division title, had the league's leading rusher and the #4-ranked running game. This season they ended up with the league's worst running game and missed the playoffs.

They got their money's worth in 2015. They didn't in 2016. So it goes. It's happened to them with highly-paid players before and it will undoubtedly happen again. Severe injuries are a harsh reality in the NFL.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

If Peterson's overpaid, it's certainly not his fault so it seems to me that some of the anger and resentment being expressed is misdirected.

Exactly lol. The salt on this board and other Vikings fan forums sites is ridiculous. It is like everyone feels Peterson is forcing Minnesota to pay him this money.

I am in the minority, but I want him back for one last season. I think him playing on a 6 million fully guaranteed contract wouldn't be bad at all. The 12 million saved in cap space would really help the team out. Moreover, 6 million in guaranteed money is fair and probably would be a better deal than anything on the free agency market.

[fiestavike]

Exactly lol. The salt on this board and other Vikings fan forums sites is ridiculous. It is like everyone feels Peterson is forcing Minnesota to pay him this money.

I am in the minority, but I want him back for one last season. I think him playing on a 6 million fully guaranteed contract wouldn't be bad at all. The 12 million saved in cap space would really help the team out. Moreover, 6 million in guaranteed money is fair and probably would be a better deal than anything on the free agency market.

The question is really whether the team prefers to restructure or move on completely. The next question is either how much is he worth this year OR what are we going to do with the 18 million in extra cap space. Which scenario will most improve the team, and is the goal to achieve max improvement next season or to achieve max improvement long-term. The Shurmur signing implies we might be looking at building a short-term window, so I'm guessing they'll bring Adrian back if they can agree on a salary.