Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is still waiting on a decision of his appeal over his season-ending suspension. If the former MVP is reinstated, he would be "welcomed back by the ownership, General Manager Rick Spielman, coach Mike Zimmer and everybody connected with the franchise," according to Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune.
However, it is likely that if Peterson does return to the Vikings, it would have to be on a new contract. He was scheduled to earn $12 million in base salary this season, $13 million in 2015, $15 million in 2016 and $16 million in 2017. Peterson has already received the $36 million in guarantees.
"NFL sources claim that no team will pay the 29-year-old Peterson's current salary and predict he will have to settle for around half of his current contract if he wants to play with another club or stay with the Viking," Hartman said.
Despite the financial hit Peterson is likely to take upon his eventual return to the NFL, this is the first we've heard that the Vikings organization definitively wants its star rusher back.
"But there is no doubt the Vikings want Peterson back if they can renegotiate the contract. Believe me, there is no consideration at this time to trading Peterson, and the Vikings will make every effort to keep him."
