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Vikings Have Several Plans Based On Adrian Peterson’s Situation

By Adam Carlson

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The Minnesota Vikings are in an odd situation when it comes to running back Adrian Peterson.  Not knowing whether or not he will be available for the 2015 NFL season is making preparations for free agency and the draft a bit tougher on the front office.

Since Peterson is currently on the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list.  Both the Vikings and Adrian Peterson are unaware of whether or not he will be removed from the list when a decision must be made on his status by April 15th of this year.

In a recent interview on Vikings.com, Mike Zimmer talked about how the team was

"“It is difficult. We’re going to have a couple of different plans for if Adrian can get back, and if he can’t,” Zimmer said. “Really, our hands are tied until we can figure out that and then we can move into which plan we want to go to. It makes it more difficult, but we’ve got other areas that we have to focus on and try to correct as well. The thing with Adrian, hopefully, will get resolved very shortly and then we can get on to trying to improve this football team and make the fans proud of how we go out and play.”"

Oct 8, 2014; Conroe, TX, USA; Adrian Peterson supporter in costume holds up a sign in front of the Montgomery county courthouse while waiting for Adrian Peterson to arrive for his arraignment. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL Draft will be held on April 30th, so the Vikings will have time to plan for that based on the NFL’s decision for Adrian Peterson’s future.  However, free agency is a different story since the period for signing players begins on March 10th.  Several quality free agent running backs are currently on track to be entering free agency, including DeMarco Murray, Frank Gore, and Knowshon Moreno.  Because of this, Minnesota could miss out on one of the higher profile free agent running backs that could have helped cover for the loss of Peterson if he can’t return.

Minnesota already has the status of Matt Asiata and Jerome Felton in question at the running back position, leaving a crew of running backs who have never scored a regular season NFL touchdown.  With Adrian Peterson’s status in question, the Vikings will have to decide whether to pursue free agent running backs and risk overspending on the position or cross their fingers for Peterson’s return.

Hopefully, the team will make the right decision.

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