Adrian Peterson wants out of Minnesota.
The superstar running back, according to Bleacher Report insider Jason Cole, has informed the Vikings that he wants to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
“Adrian Peterson wants to go to Dallas,” Cole said in his report. “The Minnesota Vikings are aware of that. In talking to a high level NFL executive; everybody knows what everybody wants. But the Vikings will not, do not want to trade him in any way, shape or form – specifically not to the Cowboys. Don’t expect that to happen; at least from their (Vikings) end. There’s a lot here to play out, but the Vikings do not want to send him to the Cowboys.”
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Contradicting reports
Cole’s report came Saturday night. On Sunday, the Pioneer Press and ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that Peterson has not asked for a trade. Read about those reports right here.
Peterson adores Dallas
According to an ESPN report last August, Peterson placed a phone call to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressing interest in playing in Dallas. ESPN’s reporter documented Jones’ side of the conversation.
“Well, we’ll see what we can do, if we can make that happen,” Jones, who is also the Cowboys’ general manager, told Peterson. “Hmm hmm … I’d like that, too … Well, we’re talking pig Latin here, but let’s see if we can do that … We’re talking pig Latin here, but let’s see what we can do about that. OK, Adrian, thanks.”
In 2013, Peterson, according to FOX Sports Southwest, said he’d be lying if playing for his home state Cowboys hadn’t crossed his mind.
Vikings want Peterson back
Peterson, who turns 30 next month, has received a lot of support from Vikings officials in recent days. Team Owner/President Mark Wilf, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren and General Manager Rick Spielman have all said they want Peterson back next season.
Despite the public support from the team, Peterson lashed out at the organization last week in an interview with ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling. The former MVP said he felt “uneasy” about returning to Minnesota and that if it were up to his wife, they would already be gone.
Peterson is under contract through 2017. He’s due to make $12.75 million next season, $14.75 million in 2016 and $16.75 million in 2017, according to Spotrac.com.
Sounds like Adrian Peterson doesn't really want to play for the Vikings again. No doubt the Cowboys are at least on the back of his mind.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 20, 2015
Vikings do not plan on cutting Adrian Peterson. Trade would be the option. RT @SigmundBloom: @RapSheet trade value dropping…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 20, 2015
Meanwhile, Peterson still seems to be in pretty good shape. The latest evidence comes from a video of him showing off some ninja skills.
https://twitter.com/AdrianPeterson/status/568543099212816385
