According to multiple media reports, the Minnesota Vikings informed running back Adrian Peterson Wednesday night that they will not be releasing him.
This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but it likely sets into motion a struggle between the future Hall of Fame running back and the only team that he has called home during an eight-year career.
Rumors have persisted that Peterson isn’t happy in Minnesota and is angling for a trade. As of right now, the most serious suitor appears to be the Arizona Cardinals.
Yahoo Sports insider Charles Robinson indicated earlier this month that Peterson is unhappy with the Vikings. That report also mentioned that Arizona would be willing to give up an early-round pick for the running back.
As Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 in Arizona notes, Peterson’s next move in this poker match will likely be finding a trade partner for his services. With that said, Minnesota holds all the cards here. Peterson is under contract for the 2015 season, which means that the Vikings hold his rights moving forward. If they choose not to trade the running back, he will either have to hold out in order to wait for the Vikings to fold or play in Minnesota this upcoming season.
Photo: USA Today