When Adrian Peterson wasn't traded leading up to or during the NFL Draft, the general feeling was that he'd mend fences with the Vikings and return to them this season. A few weeks later, though, it doesn't look like an end to his absence from the team is in sight.
Peterson, it seems, can't forgive the team for what he perceives as a lack of support during his whole suspension last year. Things are being filtered through his agent, of course, but he works for Peterson and wouldn't be saying these things without the player's blessing. Peterson isn't expected to show up for offseason training activities or the team's mandatory minicamp in June.
They're saying it's not about the money, but then, players always say that. Peterson might well want more guaranteed money, and his agent might be pushing Peterson in a certain way to get more money himself. Not that Peterson isn't extremely well-paid, but more guarantees are always nice.
The question is, what should fantasy teams be hoping for? Obviously a trade to Dallas would be very nice for the running back's value. A prolonged holdout through training camp and exhibitions would be bad for his value, but great for that of Jerick McKinnon, slated to take over as the starter should Peterson go elsewhere.
What's clear is that this conflict isn't going to go away. Either Peterson is going to be made happy by the Vikings -- either with a new contract, trade, or perhaps flowers and a nice meal and profuse apologies -- or he's going to hold out. He'd cost himself a $250,000 bonus, but that's chump change for him, as he will eventually get paid new money by somebody.
Do you draft Peterson earlier, hoping he ends up in Dallas, or later, fearing he holds out into the season? I think you let someone else take the risk in the first few picks of the draft, and grab McKinnon late, just in case.
--Andy Richardson