Vikings, Peterson agree to restructure RB's contract
The Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson announced they have mutually agreed to restructure the final three years of the embattled running back's contract.
The Associated Press reported that Peterson will be guaranteed $20 million for signing the new deal, which includes $7 million next year to cover him in case of injury. By next March, he can make another $5 million with a roster bonus. Peterson's salary cap hit will be a bit lower the next two seasons, but he can earn back more money with performance incentives.
Peterson's previous salary would have paid him $12.75 million this season, $14.75 million next year and $16.75 million in 2017. None of the $45 million in his old contract was guaranteed.
Both sides released statements on Tuesday, four days before players will report to training camp, regarding the decision.
"This agreement is a win for both Adrian and the Vikings and is a positive step toward Adrian finishing his career as a Minnesota Viking," said general manager Rick Spielman. "As we have consistently said, Adrian is a valuable part of the Vikings organization and we look forward to his return to the field."
Peterson, the Vikings' career rushing leader in carries, yards and touchdowns who's entering his ninth year, expressed a similar sentiment.
"I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL," said Peterson. "It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again."
According to data on the NFL Players Association's website, Peterson will have a base salary of $17.75 million in 2017, which would be a raise of $1 million from the previous contract. Factoring in his $250,000 workout bonus, that's $18 million. At age 30, Peterson will be the highest-paid running back in the league.
Peterson is now all but guaranteed to be on the Vikings in 2016 -- when the team opens its new $1 billion stadium.
Peterson has had a turbulent calendar year. Last September, he was indicted by a Montgomery County, Texas, grand jury on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child for allegedly beating his son with a tree branch. On Sept. 17, he was placed on the NFL's Exempt/Commissioner's Permission list, which required that Peterson stay away from team activities. On Nov. 4, he pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of recklessly assaulting his four-year-old son and received a fine, community service and was placed on probation.
Though Peterson hoped to return to play for Minnesota later in the season, on Nov. 18 the league announced he was suspended for the rest of the year without pay.
In April, Peterson was reinstated to the NFL. Though Peterson and his agent had initially expressed reluctance about rejoining the Vikings, both sides eventually came to terms. The Vikings welcomed Peterson back to the team, and players and coaches have enthusiastically endorsed the star running back.
Peterson participated in Minnesota's offseason OTAs. The Vikings report to training camp Saturday.
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