For several weeks, Adrian Peterson and his camp have been trying to maneuver their way out of Minnesota. On Monday, any doubts about their intentions would put to bed.
Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, told the media that, "I don't think it's in Adrian's best interest to play in Minnesota. Why would it be?"
Dogra also told USAToday.com point blank, "We want out of Minnesota."
In response, Minnesota Vikings co-owner and president Mark Wilf said, "The bottom line is Adrian is an important part of the Minnesota Vikings. He's represented us on and off the field. We're getting ready for the 2015 season and we fully expect him to join his teammates and be a part of what we feel is going to be a great season ahead."
There doesn't seem to be much breathing room for either side. However, the Vikings are clearly dealing from a position of strength.
"This is not a drill. They're not joking," ESPN's Kevin Seifert wrote. "The Minnesota Vikings really do want Adrian Peterson back on their team in 2015. Believing they have their best team of this decade, they won't allow a conflicted superstar, or his increasingly vocal agent, to dislodge their position. The Vikings hold almost all the leverage in this standoff; Peterson is under contract through 2017, and the threat of holding out is hollow given his 150game absence last season. The only tool agent Ben Dogra has is to make a public spectacle, a strategy that continued forming Monday when he said he didn't think it was in Peterson's 'best interest' to play in Minnesota. But after speaking with a number of people involved in the situation here at the NFL owners meetings, both on and off the record, it seems clear that the Vikings are dug in and prepared to wait out a public assault."
Peterson is unhappy with the perceived lack of support he received from the Vikings during his child abuse case. The Vikings, meanwhile, are excited to have Peterson, Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Wallace and Teddy Bridgewater all on the same offense together. Given the team's surprising 7-9 record last season, Wilf has to be thinking playoffs in 2015. Peterson is an integral part of that vision.
Expect more huffing and puffing from Dogra as the offseason continues, but don't be surprised when Peterson shows up for training camp in the purple and gold.
