The Minnesota Vikings continue to hold on to Adrian Peterson and the idea that the running back will be the team's starter in 2015. Everyone is maintaining that stance, well everyone but Peterson. With reinstatement around the corner, Peterson is looking for a change of scenery and could hold out until it is granted to him.
All signs point to Peterson getting back into the league, but there is not a clear sign as to where he will play next season. With the Vikings kicking off offseason workouts this week, Peterson is questioning whether or not he plans on showing up. The running back told ESPN, "We'll see. I haven't even been reinstated yet." That date is coming April 15, but according to ESPN, the running back is in Texas, showing no signs of heading back to Minnesota in the near future. Reinstatement is the final hurdle for Peterson, but after that is crossed, the running back appears to be pushing for a trade.
Several teams could easily make a move for Peterson once he re-enters the NFL. The Vikings have made it clear they are not releasing the veteran and will likely demand a high price tag for Peterson if a team intends to trade him. If a move is made, where does that leave Minnesota who will have a hole to fill on the roster?
One thing Minnesota does not plan on doing is trade Cordarrelle Patterson despite the chatter and struggling stats. The Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings will not move Patterson, confident he comes to form in 2015. However, they will need to make a move for a running back if Peterson is gone. Without Peterson, Minnesota has the newly re-signed Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon who is confident he can easily replace the star if need be.
"There's no doubt in my mind I can last the season," McKinnon said, via TwinCities.com. "If that's something I have to prove, that's not a big deal for me. I'll prove it this year. I'm just really excited to get back out there with my teammates and coaches and show how far I've come since surgery."
McKinnon and Asiata combined for 1,108 yards last season as a tandem. The Vikings will likely add to that with a rookie, but it remains to be seen how quickly they draft one. If Peterson is traded, the Vikings could easily make a move for someone like Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon or TJ Yeldon. They would be solid additions to the McKinnon, Asiata duo while giving the Vikings needed depth at the position.
