Adrian Peterson proved last season that he is still capable of carrying a full load and being one of the best running backs in the league even on the wrong side of 30. If he is just as productive this season, will that be enough to convince the Minnesota Vikings to keep him on the books for $18 million in 2017?
Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press recently wrote that he expects the 2016 season will “probably be the last in Minnesota” for Peterson. As Walters explained, the Vikings will need money to pay quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Peterson, 31, is signed for $12 million this year. But next year his contract increases to $18 million, prohibitive for a running back whose position has become undervalued in the NFL. The NFL has become a passing league. Which leads to Teddy Bridgewater. If the third-year Vikings quarterback, age 23, plays well, he’ll get the big contract with money — at least $15 million a year — that would have gone to Peterson next year. Elite QBs now command mega-contracts. Outstanding running backs no longer can command monster deals.
While Peterson has proved that 30 does not have to be a death sentence for a running back, it will be nearly impossible to justify paying him $18 million. Even this ridiculous reminder of A.P.’s freak athleticism won’t make him worth that kind of money at age 32.
The question, then, becomes whether Peterson wants to remain in Minnesota badly enough that he will take a pay cut. History leads us to believe he will not.
