Zimmer says Peterson can play for Vikings or not at all

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Adrian Peterson spent the last five months sending vague and sometimes ambiguous messages about his desire or lack thereof to remain with the Minnesota Vikings.

Peterson and Vikings coach Mike Zimmer finally cut to the chase Wednesday.

“He’s really got two choices. He can either play for us or he cannot play,” Zimmer said on the second day of optional practices that Peterson skipped. “He’s not going to play for anybody else and that’s just the way it’s going to be.”

Hours after Zimmer laid down that edict, Peterson tweeted a statement of his own that he gave to ESPN.

“The reason I’m not attending OTAs has nothing to do with wanting to be traded,” he said. “It’s about securing my future with the Vikings. It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand. Go Vikings.”

Peterson has skipped the optional portion of the Vikings’ offseason workouts many times in his career, but the circumstances surrounding his absence this time around are far different.

Peterson’s agents made it clear earlier in the offseason that their client would prefer to be traded because he didn’t feel like he got the necessary support from some members of the organization while he dealt with a child abuse charge in Texas last year. Peterson missed all but one game and ultimately pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor for striking his young son with a wooden switch.

The Vikings maintained all along that they had no plans to trade Peterson, and now that it has been determined the organization wasn’t playing poker with its star player, the 30-year-old Peterson is looking for more guaranteed money as his career enters the twilight.

Peterson was reinstated last month and has three years and $46 million left on his contract. But none of that money is guaranteed. If he is on the roster for Week 1 this season, his $12.75 million salary will become guaranteed. Skipping the offseason workouts will cost Peterson a $250,000 bonus, but he is clearly more concerned with the two years and $23 million on the back end of his deal.

Exactly how much more guaranteed money Peterson is looking for remains unclear as does the Vikings’ appetite for renegotiating the deal.

Peterson is not required to show up until a mandatory minicamp on June 16. The team could fine him if he misses that camp or any portion of the upcoming training camp.

“I don’t know when he’s coming and we’ll just leave it at that,” Zimmer said.

Peterson did attend the optional practices last summer in an effort to get to know Zimmer and an almost entirely new coaching staff that took over after Leslie Frazier was fired.

Normally, missing a couple of practices without pads in May wouldn’t be cause for scrutiny. But Peterson is coming off of a season in which he missed the last 15 games and he has never taken a snap in a game with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is entering his second season.

The Vikings also are shuffling their offensive line, moving right guard Brandon Fusco to left guard and likely installing rookie T.J. Clemmings as the starter at right guard and have added veteran receiver Mike Wallace to the mix to give the unit a different look.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be on the field at the same time as Adrian because I wasn’t the starter (in the opener last year),” Bridgewater said. “I wasn’t in the starting role then. I can’t even speak on what it’s like to play with him. But I know that the guys around here have nothing but great things to say about him.”

Zimmer said he has spoken to Peterson since he and GM Rick Spielman flew to Houston to visit the running back at his home in March, but has not spoken to him recently.

“He’s missed a lot of OTAs over the course of his career. I’m not worried about it,” Zimmer said. “I have 89 guys out here that I’m coaching and trying to get better. It is what it is.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.