The Minnesota Vikings will not release running back Adrian Peterson, according to a report from USA Today’s Tom Pelissero.
The message to Peterson’s camp came from General Manager Rick Spielman, who called Peterson’s agent, Ben Dogra, telling him the news.
#Vikings GM Rick Spielman told Adrian Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, tonight the team won't release him. No surprise but that's off the table.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2015
Dogra then issued this statement to FOX Sports NFL Insider Mike Garafolo.
“It was important for me to relay the position the Vikings are taking to Adrian,” Dogra said. “I want to make sure there is absolutely no confusion whatsoever.”
If #Vikings were going to cut Peterson and get nothing, it would've happened in September. They want to keep him. AP still has concerns.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2015
The news isn’t shocking because releasing Peterson would do nothing more than save the Vikings the $12.75 million he is due in 2015, along with a $250,000 workout bonus. Peterson would still count $2.4 million against the salary cap.
Multiple media outlets, including ESPN, are reporting that Peterson flew to New York on Monday to meet for a second time with Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf about his concerns about returning to Minnesota following a season of backlash after he was charged with child abuse in Texas. The charge was later pleaded down to a misdemeanor.
Minnesota still has options with Peterson since they have control of his contract through the 2017 season. While Peterson remains on the exempt/commissioner’s list and is barred from football activities with the Vikings, the team has freedom to make a trade, ask him to restructure his contract or simply tell the running back that they’ll see him at training camp.
Peterson will turn 30 on Saturday.
