xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
http://prosportsdaily.com/Headlines/ExternalArticle?articleId=304353
The Vikings wish to get rid of Peterson has nothing to do with Petersons production, but is all about the money. Peterson is still a good player, but its hard to justify his huge contract numbers for the next four years when you consider the overall devaluation of the running back position, not to mention Petersons advancing age.
How big are those contract numbers? The Vikings owe Peterson base salaries over the next four years of $11.75 million, $12.75 million, $14.75 million and $15.75 million.
Even with the salary cap set to inflate each year, thats a lot of money to be paying a running back who, at least according to all statistical models, is set to see a steep decline as he surpasses the age of 30.
Its too much money to be playing any back, regardless of age and production, in this new era of the running back assembly line system.
So what can the Vikings do? Freeman doesnt speculate, but only says the team is looking to move on from Peterson sooner rather than later. My personal opinion, one AFC GM told Freeman, is this [coming] season will be Petersons last with the Vikings. Despite the cap hit, theyll make some sort of move to get him off the roster.
It seems unlikely that the Vikings would be able to trade Peterson, given the way running back value is trending, unless they were willing to accept much less draft pick compensation than he would otherwise be worth.