It's hard to envision the Minnesota Vikings seriously considering the idea of cutting ties with All-Pro, All-World, All-Everything running back Adrian Peterson, but where there is continuous smoke there's bound to be fire and the recent decision to promote Kevin Warren from executive vice president of legal affairs and chief administrative officer to chief operating officer may spell the end for Peterson as a Viking.
In the wake of his suspension by the NFL, Peterson revealed to Tom Pelissero of USA Today that, while he felt he was being supported by Minnesota coaches and players throughout the process, he didn't feel the same about certain members of the front office.
Shortly thereafter, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that sources told him that Warren was, in fact, the executive Peterson was directly referring to.
"Sources familiar with the case also told Schefter that Warren and the NFL have been working together to make sure Peterson does not return this season."
If that's indeed the case and the Vikings - despite owner Mark Wilf's assertion Wednesday that he'd "love" to have Peterson back - promoted Warren anyway, it isn't difficult to see how that may sway Peterson to seek NFL employment elsewhere starting next season.
"The ascension of Warren while Peterson's status remains unresolved possibly isn't a coincidence," writes Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Regardless of any influence Warren may or may not have in the decision to keep or not keep Peterson, the move could make Peterson even more determined to get a fresh start elsewhere."
Head coach Mike Zimmer has gone on the record to say that he'd like Peterson back and Peterson, who is still under contract with the team, has also maintained throughout this ordeal that he'd like to return to Minnesota.
But with Warren's promotion, the team's decision-makers may be signaling their actual feelings on the electrifying, but aging and expensive, running back and could push Peterson out after eight incredibly productive seasons.
