Vikings GM Spielman Stresses That Peterson Will Not Be Traded

Apr 26, 2012; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman addresses the media as he introduces the 2013 1st round draft picks at a press conference at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not sure why some fans and members media are so adamant that the Vikings will trade Adrian Peterson away each and every offseason.  In order to shed some light on this situation, Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman was asked about it during an interview with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

"“Adrian is not going anywhere,” Spielman said. “We have him under contract. He’s the face of our franchise. He is a blue-chip player. And we have a new coaching staff in place, and are very excited about what’s coming ahead for us.”"

Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) to runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There are concerns over Peterson’s age, contract, health and surrounding cast in Minnesota.  Although he has yet to find a reliable quarterback to help him for several years, he has still been a dominating figure in the NFL while racking up numerous awards and honors. Adrian had to undergo surgery again this offseason, but Spielman isn’t worried about it.

"“I never have any doubts in Adrian, and this was a minor procedure, and it was bothering him some,” Spielman said. “But this is something that he’ll fully recover from. And you never count Adrian out because he always has a chip on his shoulder.”"

With the draft rapidly approaching, Minnesota will have to work hard to get great pieces around Peterson in order to reach the promised land, the Super Bowl.  But will the Vikings finally get it together when it is too late for Adrian Peterson?