PFT Rumor Mill: Adrian Peterson On The Block?

By Mike Florio

We're hearing rumors out of Minneapolis today that the Vikings are seriously considering shopping reigning NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. It's a savvy, albeit somewhat desperate move for a team that made some unusal moves this offseason, especially in the past few days.

It is my belief that this is probably due to the simmering feud between the General Managers of the Vikings and Buffalo Bills. While many of the details of this rift have been kept behind closed doors, my league sources tell me that both General Managers seemed to have adopted a "scorched earth" mentality - and that things like team composition and chemistry have taken a back seat to the brinksmanship on display here.

That would be the only practical reason I could see for moving Peterson, who certainly is expensive (13.9 million), but is the also the only real weapon on the team with Percy Harvin now enjoying sunny Tampa Bay. If Christian Ponder is to mature into a starting NFL quarterback, he certainly is going to need all the help he can get.

We at PFT don't see this as a coincidence on the eve of Free Agency. The Vikings have some cap space, but aren't considered major players after spending big on Jairus Byrd and Gerald McCoy this offseason. This is most likely a cost-cutting move. Still, we're talking about the current NFL MVP. I can't think that Minnesota would let him go for free. Most likely they're looking for some combination of draft compensation (at least a first rounder) and a solid contributor as a receiver or linebacker.

It will be interesting to see if any team is willing to pay the price for Peterson and his once-in-a-generation talent. We'll be monitoring the situation closely and will post updates as we receive them.

Update: We're also getting late breaking news that long time tackle Kevin Williams, who currently counts 8.0 million agains the 2013 cap, could be on the move as well. We're hearing the Vikings aren't willing to simply part ways with Williams, but would consider a trade for the six time Pro Bowler. A Williams trade would certainly be less of a head-scratcher than moving franchise cornerstone Peterson - especially with Gerald McCoy already on the roster.

 

And the GML claims another victim.

 

I usually get 1 to 2 a year. This worked out today just because the Vikings traded Harvin IRL.

Can I use your quote about "trading every pick we have" for Peterson? I'm hoping my fellow GMs saw that.

 

13.9.

Very affordable.

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