Jerome Felton Will Opt Out Of Contract After This Season

Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton said earlier today that he has decided to opt out of the 2015 season of his contract and become a free agent rather than returning to Minnesota.

Jerome Felton recently spoke with Chris Tomasson of TwinCities.com’s Pioneer Press about his decision:

"“The economics of my thing is they’re not going to pay me $2.5 million,’’ Felton told the Pioneer Press. “You wouldn’t just stay in a contract knowing your salary is that high. There’s no guarantee in the contract, so it wouldn’t make sense for me to opt in. So I’m a free agent after this season. If they wanted, they could re-sign me.’’"

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton (42) celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Jets at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Felton’s numbers are absolutely right. He was scheduled to make $2.5 million in 2014 while not having any guaranteed money in the final year of the deal. If the Vikings released Felton, there would be no penalty to the team’s salary cap. Minnesota has been grooming fullback Zach Line to take his place, so Minnesota most likely would have moved on from Felton if he had opted in.

Instead, by opting out, Jerome Felton leaves open the opportunity to return to the Vikings at a smaller cost or go to a team that might be able to utilize his fullback abilities more than Minnesota.

"“I’m obviously not going to want to just play a few snaps,’’ Felton said. “All that stuff will come up (in talks after the season). But I’ve been positive this whole year and tried to be a leader in our locker room.’’"

Sunday’s season finale against the Chicago Bears could be Jerome Felton’s final game in a Vikings uniform unless Minnesota brings him back this offseason. But Felton isn’t ready to close the door on his chances of returning to Minnesota.

"“You never say never,’’ Felton said. “I like the coaching staff and I appreciate the organization. We’ll see what the future holds.’’"

Jerome Felton has been announced as an alternate for the 2014 Pro Bowl and will participate in the game if current fullback John Kuhn is unable to fulfill his duties.

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