At a time when the clocking could be ticking on running back Adrian Peterson’s willingness to stay in Minnesota absent a competent passing game, the clock may be ticking on the Vikings’ willingness to keep him around.
But how much longer can the Vikings afford to pay eight figures to a guy who plays a position with a value that has been plummeting? Peterson will receive a base salary of $11.75 million in 2014. Next year, it moves to $12.75 million. Then, it climbs to $14.75 million. By 2017, Peterson will make $15.75 million.
As the price tag goes up each year, the Vikings seem to be planning a reduction in Peterson’s workload.
That’s fine, but reduced reliance on Peterson translates to reduced value financially. At some point, the Vikings have to restructure the deal in a way that reduces Peterson’s salary and cap number. If he balks, the relationship likely will end. Or perhaps the Vikings will simply decide abruptly to move on, after this season or the next.
It’s a trend that could be here to stay in the NFL, with highly-compensated star players dumped without much warning in any given offseason. Or, as the case may be, in every given offseason.
However it ends for Peterson in Minnesota, it’s starting to feel like the end is coming — and it’s starting to feel like the final portion of the ride could get a little bumpy.
Peterson’s future in Minnesota getting murkier | ProFootballTalk
But how much longer can the Vikings afford to pay eight figures to a guy who plays a position with a value that has been plummeting? Peterson will receive a base salary of $11.75 million in 2014. Next year, it moves to $12.75 million. Then, it climbs to $14.75 million. By 2017, Peterson will make $15.75 million.
As the price tag goes up each year, the Vikings seem to be planning a reduction in Peterson’s workload.
That’s fine, but reduced reliance on Peterson translates to reduced value financially. At some point, the Vikings have to restructure the deal in a way that reduces Peterson’s salary and cap number. If he balks, the relationship likely will end. Or perhaps the Vikings will simply decide abruptly to move on, after this season or the next.
It’s a trend that could be here to stay in the NFL, with highly-compensated star players dumped without much warning in any given offseason. Or, as the case may be, in every given offseason.
However it ends for Peterson in Minnesota, it’s starting to feel like the end is coming — and it’s starting to feel like the final portion of the ride could get a little bumpy.
Peterson’s future in Minnesota getting murkier | ProFootballTalk
