HOUSTON — Vikings president and co-owner Mark Wilf said some “tough analysis” must be done about running back Adrian Peterson returning to the team next season.
Peterson is under contract for 2017 for $18 million, but there’s no chance he will play for that amount. He either will sign a renegotiated deal with Minnesota or become a free agent for the first time since entering the NFL in 2007.
Wilf, speaking at the site of Sunday’s Super Bowl LI, told the Pioneer Press he is “leaving it to (general manager) Rick Spielman to deal with football matters” regarding Peterson. Obviously, though, ownership would have a final say in how much the Vikings might pay the former NFL MIVP and seven-time Pro Bowl player.
“Adrian is such an important part of our organization, and he’s a great player and still a great player, so we’ll see how the business stuff works out,” Wilf said. “But he’s going to have a purple jacket, a gold (hall of fame) jacket (whenever he retires) and all the accolades he deserves. He’s one of the greatest Vikings of all time and certainly one of the greatest players of all time. It’s a tough analysis we’re going to have to go through here.”
The Vikings must make a decision on Peterson by the time the NFL’s new league year begins March 9.
“It’s a combination of a business decision and a football decision, and we’re going to work through that here in the next few weeks,” Wilf said. “It’s his 11th season coming up. Just to be around that kind of a great player has been a wonderful thing for us.”
Peterson, 31, suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee in Week 2 of the 2016 season before returning in Week 15. He then missed the final two games with knee and groin injuries, and finished the season with just 72 yards on 37 carries.
Peterson has said he wants to return to the Vikings. In the event that doesn’t work out, Peterson told ESPN last month teams that could interest him include the New York Giants, Houston and Tampa Bay.
Peterson lives in the Houston area, but has kept a low profile so far during Super Bowl week. He did not return a message seeking comment.
Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway, who has been Peterson’s teammate since both played their first NFL games in 2007, said he has spoken to the running back once since players departed following the end of the season.
“I’ve had a chance to talk to him, and he obviously wants to be here, and I think the organization wants him to be here,” Greenway said. “All signs point to both sides wanting to have something work. …. We’ll see what happens down the road in the next month or two and see if they can come to an agreement.”
Asked whether he believes Peterson will play for Minnesota in 2017, Greenway said, “That’s a tough one. It’s hard to say.”
Greenway might retire, so it’s uncertain if he will play again with Peterson. As for tight end Kyle Rudolph, he is hoping Peterson returns.
“Absolutely,” Rudolph said. “Who wouldn’t want to have a hall of fame back?”
