Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer made their plans for running back Adrian Peterson crystal clear when he was interviewed by NFL media personnel on Wednesday (via NFL.com).
I’m not going to speculate on what he wants or doesn’t want. He’s under contract for three more years with us and that’s why you sign these contracts, and why you get these big bonuses.
Zimmer also axed any rumors of trading Peterson.
We’re planning on him being back. We have no plans to trade Adrian.
Sticking to his guns that Peterson will suit up and definitely retire as a member of the Vikings, Zimmer further proceeded to comment.
It’s status quo as we go on. I appreciate everything Adrian has done in the state, in the community and in the Twin Cities. We know what kind of running back he is, what kind of benefit he’d be to our team and community. I think when he goes into the hall of fame he’s going to want to go in wearing the jersey everyone remembers him in.
Despite reports that Peterson has expressed anxiety about returning and that he is drawing a strong interest from the Dallas Cowboys, it would appear Zimmer is pretty much turning a deaf ear to all the other factors. The fact that Peterson is under contract for three more years does not exactly handcuff him to the team. Players get released or traded quite often when they are in mid-contract status. Has Zimmer not been following the free agency moves this season?
For now, Peterson sits on the Commissioner’s Exempt list waiting for action from the NFL to determine his official status for the 2015 season.
Photo: USA Today