Is Adrian Peterson better off without Minnesota Vikings?
On Monday, Adrian Peterson's agent told reporters that he doesn't think "it's in Adrian's best interests" to play for Minnesota. After months of silence Ben Dogra, Adrian Peterson's agent, finally started chatting about Peterson's future as a Minnesota Viking.
This is probably a good decision by AP. The former NFL MVP may have a couple good years left in him. Why waste them in the dump of an organization like Minnesota? Unless Peterson can drag them into playoff contention like he did in 2012 (I highly doubt he has a 2,000+ yards season stored somewhere), he should get out while he has a chance.
The Vikings do have some up-and-coming assets in second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, as well as signing free agent Mike Wallace, giving their young quarterback another option to throw to. But is another young quarterback tryout in Minnesota really what an aging running back far past his prime needs? Probably not.
Multiple teams have been rumored as trying to strike a deal for Peterson like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts. But most of these teams, as well as many others, have yet to make any deals final. Most of these rumors are remaining rumors for the time being, but that doesn't mean Peterson will for sure stay put in Minnesota. He doesn't think that the Vikings will make him stay if he is unhappy. And he is clearly unhappy.
LaDainian Tomlinson did something similar as his career was at its tail end. After contributing Hall of Fame-like numbers for nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, he was not re-signed to play in his 10th season even though he felt he still had something left to give the game. So he trotted on over to the New York Jets where he helped them go to a AFC Conference Championship game in 2010.
As good of an idea as it as for Peterson to take his talent somewhere else, it's the last thing the Minnesota organization needs. In one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, the Vikings need their running game to be where it was three seasons ago if they plan on contending for a playoff spot. After all, their running production dropped from eighth in the NFL to 14th with the departure of Peterson. Getting him back would mean they could focus on other areas in the NFL draft and free agency -- a must moving forward for the Vikings.
So whatever poor feelings Peterson has towards the Vikings organization because of the scandal during the 2014 season need to start being a conversation between the two parties. Upsetting your franchise running back isn't the smartest thing a team could do. And as the allegations surrounding Peterson fade away, any poor sentiments among Peterson and the Vikings need to be addressed and resolved sooner rather than later.
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