Straight from the script of “Jerry McGuire,” Adrian Peterson’s agent, Ben Dogra, is begging the Vikings to show Peterson the money.
Dogra’s failed attempts to get his client traded out of Minnesota came to a head Thursday night when the first round of the NFL Draft came and went without Peterson being moved. Now, one day later, Dogra is accepting the fact that Peterson will be playing for the Vikings, but not without asking the organization to pony up some guaranteed money for Peterson.
From USA TODAY’s Tom Pelissero:
“One of the things that I appreciate with the Vikings is their resolve to say ‘we’re not trading him,'” Dogra told USA TODAY Sports. “That tells me they value him not only as a football player, but what he’s done for the organization.
“I actually, as an agent, not only appreciate it — I accept it. But actions speak louder than words. If that’s going to happen, and you want to keep him, then show him a commitment to make him retire as a Viking. And I haven’t had that solution.”
The Vikings have control of Peterson’s contract through the 2017 season, meaning Peterson, now 30, could be 33-years-old before he hits the free-agent market again. A 33-year-old running back in the NFL commanding a lot of money is unheard of; so even though Peterson has $45 million coming his way the next three seasons, none of it is guaranteed.
On Adrian Peterson, what he’s always wanted to guaranteed money in 2016 from the #Vikings. One way for them to show commitment in his eyes
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 1, 2015
https://twitter.com/GoesslingESPN/status/594151238301659138
Games of cat and mouse are frequently played in professional sports, but it appears the Vikings, especially general manager Rick Spielman, were never bluffing when saying Peterson’s future would remain in Minnesota.
“No. Not at all. Nothing has changed with Adrian. End of story,” Spielman said when asked about Peterson Thursday night, according to the Star Tribune.
