The Minnesota Vikings understand that when on the field, Adrian Peterson is a real offensive threat. That is why head coach Mike Zimmer is hopeful that Peterson remains on the Vikings for years to come. However, that is a big if situation given the suspension that Peterson is currently dealing with. After admitting that he was considering retiring from football altogether, Zimmer remains hopeful that Peterson wants to come back and play for Minnesota.
Peterson told USA Today that while he would like to return to the Minnesota Vikings, he believes it could be time for a fresh start somewhere else when his suspension with the league is over with. At the moment, Peterson is not allowed to be reinstated until April of 2015 and has said he will take a long, hard look at his future during that time while he continues to fight for an appeal. Peterson has said he might not return to the NFL at all or maybe just not to Minnesota, keeping his options open regarding the future.
"I would love to go back and play in Minnesota to get a feel and just see if my family still feels comfortable there," Peterson said, via USA Today. "But if there's word out that hey, they might release me, then so be it. I would feel good knowing that I've given everything I had in me."
There has been grumbling regarding a release from Minnesota, mainly due to his high-priced contract. Right now, the Vikings control Peterson's future. The running back will either play for them, hope he gets released or play for no one at all. Zimmer told ProFootballTalk that he certainly hopes that Peterson is back on the field for the Vikings, but he also noted that the running back must show the same desires.
"I would respect Adrian's decision," Zimmer said. "I'll always be honest with him and up front but I'm gonna try to explain to him the reasons why I would like to him to be here. But it has to be a two way street and he has to get his life taken care of - but we'll sit down and talk, but I'm a pretty good recruiter, too."
For now, the Vikings will handle the players currently on the roster instead of the ones they hope return. Zimmer has expressed total confidence in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who is up for Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, there is doubt regarding who he will be throwing to as Charles Johnson overtakes Cordarrelle Patterson on the depth chart. There have been rumors regarding a trade of the wide receiver if he does not show improvement in the offseason.
