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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been reinstated by the NFL, effective April 17. Peterson had been serving a suspension since Nov. 18 after pleading no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault. This was a reduced charge from the initial felony child-abuse charges he faced following accusations that he disciplined his four-year-old son with a switch in September 2014.

While Peterson has been reinstated, there is speculation he could potentially be on the move from a Vikings organization he has played his entire career with.

Continue for updates.

Peterson Reinstated by NFL

Thursday, April 16

The NFL announced Peterson's reinstatement will take effect on April 17.

Per the league's press release, after he is reinstated, Peterson will be able to participate in all scheduled activities with the Vikings.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Judge David Doty will decide in October how many game checks Peterson will lose.

Peterson's 'Dream Scenario' Is Trade to Cowboys

Monday, April 6

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported on Peterson's desire to move to Dallas:

On March 23, Mike Fisher of 105.3 The Fan reported that Dallas will not pursue Peterson in the trade market, per DFW.CBSLocal.com:

Peterson, who turned 30 today, clearly wants a fresh start from Minnesota and has expressed a desire to play for the Cowboys in his home state. But the Cowboys have never been interested in taking on his existing contract ($12, $15 and $17 million for the next three seasons) and believe even if he negotiates to a reduced rate, his salary would be exorbitant — especially compared to the fraction of the cost of exploring draft-eligible runners like Todd Gurley and Tevin Coleman.

Cole Discusses How Peterson's Contract Is Affecting Negotiations

Wednesday, March 25

Cole spoke about Peterson's future and how his contract is affecting negotiations:

Zimmer Comments on Peterson's Future, Says There's No Plans to Trade Star RB

Wednesday, March 25

"We have no plans to trade Adrian," Zimmer said, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "He's under contract and we expect him to honor it.

"We felt bad not only about what happened to Adrian and Adrian's son, but also to us. We had some things happened to us as a result."



Pelissero provided Zimmer's thoughts on the next step regarding Peterson. Zimmer said, "I don't know that there is a next step. We're good to go."

Peterson's Agent, Vikings Meet Without Resolution

Tuesday, March 24

Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, met with the Vikings, according to Rapoport (via Around the NFL):

Dogra had strong words in terms of how he feels about Peterson playing for the Vikings in 2015, per Cole on March 20:

Cole discussed Peterson's future in the following video:

Dogra went as far as to tell Jarrett Bell of USA Today the following: "We want out of Minnesota."

Chris Wesseling of NFL.com provided additional details:

Dogra is not demanding a trade yet, rather expressing his dissatisfaction with the organization. Peterson's camp believes he deserves "face of the franchise" guaranteed money, along the lines of a premier quarterback, per Rapoport.



Although Peterson has three years and $45 million remaining on his contract, none of it is guaranteed.

Vikings owner Mark Wilf and Spielman commented on Peterson, via Tom Pelissero of USA Today.

"He's an important part of the Minnesota Vikings and we look forward to him being part of our team in 2015," Wilf said.

Pelissero noted that Spielman is "standing by the company line" regarding Peterson and provided a synopsis of what the GM had to say: "Adrian Peterson's under contract, and they expect him to be a part of 2015 team."

On March 20, Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported that Spielman requested a meeting with Peterson's agent but was denied. Robinson noted that the refusal was "not good." ESPN's Ben Goessling confirmed the report from Dogra.

Robinson provided additional details:

The refusal could be a shot at the Vikings, signaling a turn to a more hard-line dialogue with the team. But it could also be a more direct play at ownership, as the most direct path to more guaranteed money or a trade would be bypassing the front office and convincing the Wilfs that one of those outcomes could make Peterson happy. As it stands, owners Mark and Zygi Wilf have already signaled a willingness to be a part of the process, having met with Peterson in New Jersey earlier this month.

Wesseling reported that "NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport cautioned Thursday that we are 'only at the beginning of the Adrian Peterson saga' that will play out this offseason. Rapoport identified the Cardinals and Jaguars as potential landing spots should Peterson succeed in forcing the Vikings' hand."

Peterson's Agent Responds to Vikings Saying They Won't Trade RB

Thursday, March 19

Garafolo reported Peterson's agent's response to the Vikings saying they wouldn't release the running back: "Re: that last retweet, Ben Dogra wrote in a text, 'It was important for me to relay the position the Vikings are taking to Adrian. I want to make sure there is absolutely no confusion whatsoever.'"

Garafolo also noted, "The wording in the statements from Peterson and Dogra has obviously been very careful. So far no public demands for a trade or release."

Minnesota GM Rick Spielman informed Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, that the Vikings will not be cutting Peterson, per Pelissero. He added that the Vikings want to keep him, even if the running back still has concerns.

Peterson Reportedly Asks for Trade From Minnesota

Tuesday, March 17

Freelance reporter Larry Fitzgerald Sr. reported that Peterson has asked for a trade out of Minnesota, and the Vikings are quietly shopping the running back.

On March 14, Robinson provided details on Peterson's status with the Vikings and mentioned a potential suitor if the Vikings place him on the trading block:

Despite what Peterson's father said Thursday, there is not another meeting scheduled between his son and the Vikings, Robinson reported on March 13. He added:

On Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press spoke to Peterson's father about the running back's future with Minnesota:

Adrian Peterson's father said Thursday "nothing was resolved" in a meeting Monday with Vikings owners and the running back will have another discussion with team officials about his future by the end of the week. "They will meet again," Nelson Peterson told the Pioneer Press. "I'm not going to say who's going to be at the meeting. I can't comment on that." When asked when it would take place, Nelson Peterson only would say by the end of the week. Peterson's father said he hasn't asked for a trade and that all the talk he could end up with Dallas is just rumors.

On March 4, KARE 11 News captured this image of Zimmer and Spielman meeting with Peterson in Houston:

Anderson reported that they met at Peterson's home and that the running back "wanted to express his own thoughts and beliefs."

According to ESPN.com's Ben Goessling, the meeting "went well" but Peterson "wished to keep the details private." His wife, Ashley, joined the meeting before it concluded, Goessling reported.

Peterson issued the following statement to Anderson, via Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune:

Cardinals Reportedly Wouldn't Trade for Peterson's Contract

Monday, March 16

Sports Illustrated's Peter King noted a conversation he recently had with a Cardinals source:



I spoke with a reliable Cardinals source Sunday night, and the three years and $45 million left on Peterson's contract is an absolute non-starter with the Cards. 'We haven't had contact with the Vikings about it, to the best of my knowledge. And there is no way we could live with those numbers. We just got Larry Fitzgerald's contract under control. No way we'd add that salary.'

King added: "Arizona loves the running-back crop in this draft, and the Cardinals, with the 23rd and 55th overall picks, would be able to get a very good one. And Peterson turns 30 on Saturday. Not an optimum age for a back, even one who got so little wear on his tires in 2014."

King later weighed in on the situation with Peterson:

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported on what it would take for a team to land Peterson in terms of a new contract:

On March 8, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reported on Arizona's interest in Peterson, saying the team released Darnell Dockett in order to clear cap space to make a run at Peterson.

On March 7, Robinson reported that the Cardinals would be Peterson's top choice if he's traded and that he also likes the Chargers. Robinson previously reported on March 3 that Peterson remains in talks with the Vikings about his future, noting that five teams have expressed an active interest:

While Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson continues to have an open dialogue with the franchise about his future, he has pondered potential trade destinations and would consider a contract restructure if a deal becomes necessary, sources have told Yahoo Sports. ... ... While the Dallas Cowboys have been reported to be a Peterson favorite destination, the running back prefers five teams: the Arizona Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts, the Cowboys, the San Diego Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That said, even if Peterson requested a trade, the Vikings could refuse and simply pay him the $12.75 million in base salary he's due in the 2015 season.

49ers Reportedly Inquired About Peterson

Sunday, March 8

Vincent Frank of Forbes.com reported that the San Francisco 49ers called Minnesota to gauge interest in trading Peterson. Frank stressed that the call was "nothing serious."

Frank also weighed in on the potential of Peterson with the 49ers:

Peterson Releases Statement Following Judge's Decision

Saturday, Feb. 28

Will Brinson of CBS Sports provided a statement from Peterson, who spoke about the judge's decision:

NFL Appeals Decision to Reinstate Peterson

Thursday, Feb. 26

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Peterson would be reinstated:

Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune provided a statement from NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith:

Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo provided a statement from the NFL, who appealed the decision:

Pro Football Talk provided details on the appeal:

Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune weighed in on Peterson's future:

Garafolo added the following:

Peterson's father, Nelson, said "his son remains open to returning to Vikings but some things would need to be done he didn't name," per Tomasson.

"The Vikings hold that card. ... Are they going to pay Adrian the money he is due?" Peterson's father added, via Tomasson.

Albert Breer of NFL Network revealed why he thinks the Vikings can be patient in regards to Peterson:

Tomasson provided more insight:

Peterson Expected to Return to Vikings Despite Rift

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press joined Team Stream Now to discuss the expectation that Peterson will return to the Vikings next season:

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported on an incident from the scouting combine involving Peterson's agent and a member of the Vikings' front office:

The decaying relationship between Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson and the organization took a dramatic turn during the combine last week in downtown Indianapolis: Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, had to be separated from a member of Minnesota's front office during a heated verbal altercation about the former Pro Bowler, according to numerous sources with knowledge of the situation. According to the sources, Dogra engaged in a heated exchange with Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski during which the agent made it clear that Peterson would never play there again. The incident took place during a time when outside parties were in the vicinity. Finally, former Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik intervened, separating the men and diffusing the escalating tension, sources said. The Vikings did not respond to requests to comment for this report. Dogra did not respond to numerous messages. Dominik has not commented as well.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, via Around The NFL, provided some context surrounding the two sides and their stance on Peterson's future with the team:

Albert Breer of NFL Network named Kevin Warren, the Vikings' chief operating officer, as the primary figure that Peterson has had issues with. Warren previously expressed interest in retaining Peterson on Feb. 12.

Peterson 'Still Uneasy' About Returning to Vikings

Thursday, Feb. 19

ESPN's Ben Goessling reported that Peterson is still unsure about his future in Minnesota:

Peterson told ESPN on Thursday night he is "still uneasy" about the prospect of returning to the Vikings in 2015, saying the organization working with the NFL to put him on the commissioner's exempt list last September made him question how much support he had from the team for whom he has played his entire career. The 2012 NFL MVP called that decision an "ambush," adding, "There were people (in the organization) that I trusted, who knew exactly what was said, that weren't heard from" in the decision-making process. "They weren't able to do anything about it," Peterson said.

Vikings GM Spielman Expects Peterson Back

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported that Vikings general manager Rick Spielman expects Peterson to be in Minnesota next season:

"We expect Adrian Peterson to be part of our football team," Spielman said. ... ... I think our whole organization is on that same page (about wanting Peterson back)," Spielman said. "What team wouldn't want an Adrian Peterson talent? He's [a] unique player that you don't see come around too often and Adrian's been a key part of our organization. He's made a mistake. He’s doing everything and he’s got to follow through and rectify and do the things the NFL is requiring him to do." Spielman can't talk to Peterson while he is under suspension and said only a few members of the organization are allowed contact. He wouldn't name the individuals but said his belief is Peterson is fulfilling all his NFL-required steps to be reinstated. "We're assuming he's taken all those steps to require to get him back on the field but we can’t have communication with him," Spielman said.

However, Brian Murphy of the Pioneer-Press reported that Spielman said something similar about former Vikings wideout Percy Harvin:

Tomasson and Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News provided more comments from Spielman:

Vikings Officials Want Peterson Back

Thursday, Feb. 12

Vikings chief operating officer Kevin Warren and owner/president Mark Wilf both want Peterson back with the Vikings, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Owner Zygi Wilf has yet to chime in.

Tomasson added that Warren gave "a passionate plea about wanting Adrian Peterson back with the Vikings and says he wants to attend his HOF induction."

ESPN's Ben Goessling passed along comments from Warren, who said, "Once Adrian gets all of his items resolved with the NFL, I think (his return would) be good for all of us. ... He's a member of the Vikings family. I just wanted to go up, give him a hug and let him know he looked good."

Tomasson provided further perspective from Warren on Peterson's potential return:

On Wednesday, Mark Wilf told Vikings.com his "team would love to have [Peterson] back" in 2015 if the issues with the NFL can be resolved, according to Tomasson:

I think, as you’ve heard from Coach (Mike) Zimmer and our general manager, Rick Spielman, you know, Adrian has done a lot of good in this community. He’s done a lot for us on the football field as well, and of course, he’s a Minnesota Viking and we’d love to have him back. Of course a lot depends on the NFL and the steps he’s making on his own personal journey, but that’s where we’re at with it.’

However, just because Peterson is taking steps forward, Goessling wrote that it doesn't guarantee the NFL will reinstate him for the 2015 season:

Peterson has complied with the recommendations of a child protective services order filed last September in Hennepin County after Peterson was indicted in Texas for injuring his four-year-old son with a switch. It's not known, however, whether the supervision and counseling Peterson has received in Minnesota will meet the NFL's requirements for the running back's reinstatement in April.

Dan Hanzus of NFL.com provided contract information for Peterson's reinstatement:

Wilf says the Vikings would love Peterson back, but the issue may not be as simple as reinstatement. Peterson is scheduled to earn a base salary of $12.75 million in 2015 and will count a whopping $15.4 million against the salary cap. Both those figures are -- by far -- the highest for a running back in the NFL.

Peterson's future has been the source of much discussion since last year. He was suspended without pay by the league in November after previously sitting out with pay because the Vikings placed him on the commissioner's exempt list.

The Vikings have Peterson under contract through 2017 and didn't find a true No. 1 running back in his absence last season. Using that reasoning, it's easy to understand why the team would want him back: He's a terrific playmaker who makes the Vikings offense better.

Combined with the emergence of rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Peterson's return could give the Vikings a dynamic offense in 2015. There will certainly be many questions the veteran back has to answer about his off-field actions in the event of a return, but the biggest step will be convincing Goodell he is rehabilitated.