Multiple media reports indicate that fullback Jerome Felton has opted out of his remaining contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Felton’s decision wasn’t a surprise; he indicated near the end of the regular season that he was likely to opt out when the year was over.
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/562744509956890624
Felton was scheduled to make nearly $2.5 million with the Vikings next season, but the 2012 Pro Bowler had seen his playing time dwindle in 2014.
In Norv Turner’s new offense, Felton was on the field for just 10.5 snaps per game in 2014 – significantly less than the 23.4 in 2013 and 25.1 in 2012.
“The economics of my thing is they’re not going to pay me $2.5 million,” Felton told the Pioneer Press in December. “You wouldn’t just stay in a contract knowing your salary is that high. There’s no guarantee in the contract, so it wouldn’t make sense for me to opt in. So I’m a free agent after this season. If they wanted, they could re-sign me (at a lesser amount).”
Felton, who was the Vikings’ only Pro Bowl alternate last season, instantly becomes the top fullback on the free agent market.
#Vikings RB Jerome Felton sent in his notice of intent to void the rest of his contract, source said. Peterson’s guy. Top FB on the market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 3, 2015
Felton sent a tweet out to all of his followers and fans following the news on Tuesday afternoon.
Want to thank the Vikings organization for the last three years, it's been a life changing few years and I have so much respect and
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) February 3, 2015
Admiration for what they've done for my family and myself!! Vikings fans are some of the best in the league and I want to say thank you for
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) February 3, 2015
All your support! No doors are closed but I'm excited to see what the future holds!! #skol #thankyou
— jerome felton (@jfelton45) February 3, 2015
