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Could Adrian Peterson get guaranteed money in 2016?

By Kevin Parvizi

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The saga involving Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been the story of the offseason, and AP decided to kick it up a notch after using a perfectly valid concern (a lack of guaranteed money in contracts) to complain about his situation further. Peterson has repeatedly questioned the Vikings loyalty to him this offseason despite the fact that they’ve rejected the notion of trading him (the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Atlanta Falcons were all linked to him this offseason with varying degrees of interest expressed in these rumors).

After apparently angling for a trade away from the Vikings due to his disappointment with the organization for their lack of loyalty, it looks like Peterson might be giving up on the whole trade idea and is instead looking to sap up some guaranteed money. He’s set to make $2.4 million in guaranteed money in the 2015 season, but neither of his exorbitant $14.75 million or $16.75 million base salaries in 2016 and 2017 are guaranteed, making it all but certain that he would be released by the Vikings after this season.

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Set to make $12.75 million in base salary this season, Peterson is intent on adding some security to his deal, because he knows that at 30, his earnings on the open market in 2016 might not be nearly as favorable. He’d have to cut down on his 2016 base salary if he wants to receive guaranteed money in that season, but Peterson would likely be more than willing to do that up to a certain point.

It’s hard to tell how many people Peterson is actually upset with within the Vikings organization, but ESPN NFL Nation’s excellent Ben Goessling passes along that AD and head coach Mike Zimmer still have a strong relationship and “smoothed things over” after Zimmer stated that the running back’s choices are to play for the Vikings or for nobody at all (piece also via Goessling).

The Vikings know they have a strong coaching staff in place and, more importantly, a strong team in place with a franchise quarterback, good receivers, a solid offensive line when healthy, and a defense filled with talent and difference-makers (Xavier Rhodes, Sharrif Floyd, Harrison Smith, Anthony Barr, and perhaps rookie linebacker Eric Kendricks come to mind).

With Peterson on the roster in 2015, the Vikings could be a playoff team and are a darkhorse to make some noise, so it makes sense for them to be willing to pay him $12.75 million. Everyone knows that Peterson is one of the best running backs in history and still going strong even at 30 due to his ability to do everything a top back should be able to do, and he might even feature in the passing game after offensive coordinator Norv Turner spoke about that in his first offseason as the Vikings OC.

And since Peterson is out for revenge, many believe he could be the best back in the league, and the Vikings almost certainly agree with this. They’re willing to stick by him despite the fact that he seemed out to burn some more bridges, but I wonder if they are willing to stick by him to the point that they will give him some guaranteed money in 2016.

Both sides have to come to the middle on how much guaranteed money Peterson will receive and how much money he’ll have to cut in 2016, because if the Vikings are willing to keep him at $12.75 million this season, then they should be willing to keep him at the right price next season.

Goessling writes that “it wouldn’t be surprising if the two sides reach a compromise at some point”, and that qualifies as an optimistic and realistic assertion on the situation. Adrian Peterson wants another year of security and the Vikings want him happy and ready to rock this season.

The issue here is that Peterson might not be open to taking the paycut that would be necessary in order for him to get some guaranteed money, whereas the Vikings might want to cut his pay steeply due to Peterson’s age and the fact that guaranteeing another season can be risky, no matter how good Peterson is at staying in shape (and running the football).

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates his touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a difficult situation, but I can’t see the Minnesota Vikings simply converting some of Peterson’s cash next season into guaranteed money while also keeping his base salary at $14.75 million. Perhaps AD is worth that kind of money, and the team definitely isn’t nearly as good without the elite back.

However, it is risky business, and I have a gut feeling that Rick Spielman wouldn’t want to do it.

Peterson really has no leverage here, so it all comes down to whether or not the Vikings feel kind enough to smooth things over with AD further by pandering to his desire to have guaranteed money as proof of the team’s loyalty (and for his own personal gain).

I honestly hope the Vikings don’t cave in, because while I usually side with players in financial situations, Peterson signed a deal worth $36 million in guaranteed money; it was just mostly up-front.

It’s more likely that he’ll head into the season without any guarantees for 2016, and he’ll have to play at an elite level in order to set himself up for that big payday in the following season. Again, he has no real leverage here.

Next: Adrian Peterson will dominate

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