Vikings, Adrian Peterson Reach Contract Agreement
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings have made an agreement with running back Adrian Peterson to restructure the last three years of his current contract.
"I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL," Peterson said. "It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again."
Peterson was the crown jewel for the team during the bulk of his tenure in Minnesota, but lost his luster when at the beginning of the 2014-2015 season he was charged with whipping his 4-year-old son with a switch. He lost a number of endorsement deals in the wake of the allegations, and had to sit out the rest of the season.
As it became clear to Peterson that the Vikings were not going to trade him prior to the forthcoming season, he returned to the team for voluntary practices in June. He has also put himself out there as an ambassador for the team in recent weeks, including an appearance at Falcon Heights Elementary School.
The team did not disclose the terms of the contract restructuring.
"This agreement is a win for both Adrian and the Vikings and is a positive step toward Adrian finishing his career as a Minnesota Viking," general manager Rick Spielman said in a press statement. "As we have consistently said, Adrian is a valuable part of the Vikings organization and we look forward to his return to the field."
Peterson played in just one game last season, the Vikings' opener at St. Louis. He had 21 carries for 75 yards.
He was then deactivated the following week against the Patriots after the allegations of child abuse surfaced. The Monday after that game, he was activated and it set off a firestorm among angry fans and sponsors. It led to Peterson being put on the NFL's exempt list, a suspension with pay, before he was ultimately suspended for the second half of the season while his case played out in court.
Peterson, 30, will get $20 million guaranteed as part of the restructured contract. That includes the $13 million-plus he is due this season, and another $7 million next year to cover him in the case of an injury. He can also make another $5 million by next March with a roster bonus. He remains under contract through the 2017 season, and it could mean he'll spend his entire NFL career with the Vikings.
The restructure contract also guarantees that Peterson will be in a Vikings uniform when the team opens the 2016 season in its new $1 billion stadium, set to be completed by July of next year.
Stay with WCCO.com as more information is available.
