Adrian Peterson Sweepstakes ***Officially reinstated (again) and merged***

[AsthmaField]

Again, if you're willing to believe that the Vikings are fine with paying $13 million this year and even more money in the future to a disgruntled player.

Some people have repeatedly stated this as fact, and I have repeatedly challenged anyone to find any direct quote as evidence. And to this day, I have gotten absolutely nothing in response.

Minn has said this: "Adrian is a member of our football team. He is under contract," Spielman said to ESPN.com in a statement that's consistent with everything the Vikings have said about the situation. "We are focused on the 2015 season and expect Adrian to be a part of that. Our whole focus is getting ready for the season with Adrian."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...want-to-keep-him-----who-wins--135801723.html

They aren't directly saying "We will pay a disgruntled player" but it is awful close to it.

Minn knew his salary when they made the deal with Peterson. It didn't scare them then and I don't think it scares them now.

I have no doubt that Minn would trade AP if the right compensation came down the pike to them... but it isn't going to be from Dallas. The Cowboys have made it clear they don't want to spend big dollars at RB. They've made it clear that they don't want to jeopardize the future of their cap by pushing money back for old players (Romo aside). They've made it clear they want to spend on younger guys. They've made it clear that they value draft picks more highly now than they've ever valued them. They didn't blink letting Murray go to Philly.

Literally every single thing that I'm seeing screams that AP is not coming to Dallas. Maybe I'm missing something, but man, it seems clear as day to me.

 

[Doomsday101]

So you believe that the Vikings are perfectly OK with paying him that amount this season?

I think they are perfectly willing to keep him unless they get what they want. Their cap even with him on the roster leaves them with ample cap space and with the top picks they have you bet Minn will play hardball with any team who has an interest.

 

[Stash]

Barry Sanders walked away from the game when the Lions wouldn't trade him.

The rarest of examples. So, you're saying you expect Peterson to retire?

I don't think they will pay him to sit. If it came to that they could try to deactivate him and get out of paying his salary. All I'm saying is that if AP is really going to be the best RB in football they have a lot of incentive to be persistent and try to work things out if they don't get good value for trading him. They are not under financial pressure to trade him. So they could also just release him late enough that it would be hard to AP to get any kind of real deal for 2015 and he is just one year older next year.

And get nothing for him and then have no running back themselves for the 2015 season, all simply out of spite?

How long do you think anyone responsible for a move like that would keep his job?

The Vikings definitely could trade him under the right circumstances. I just don't think we have any interest at all in meeting those criteria and don't have interest in paying AP what he will want to be paid.

You'll have to be more specific on what you think those parameters are? Too much grey are from the 'con' side in this debate.

Also, regarding the 'arrogant' position regarding RB...We have had Murray the last 4 years and it was only when we got the OL together that he really made an impact. That argues that OL was far more important to our success running the ball than Murray was. Having a 1000 yards before contact supports that as well.

It supports the belief that the line was and is a key component for the success last year. But, here or not, Murray was no bum either. Plenty of us were campaigning for both him and the run game in general to get more work instead of Garrett's prior pass-happy nonsense.

For someone to think we can simply plug anyone behind this line and have the same success is both ignorant and arrogant.

I hope for all of our sake the Cowboys are smarter than that.

 

[esloan]

And you will agree that that ship has sailed and there's currently nobody worth paying that money?



We can debate why the team fell apart separately, but I don't think it was because we paid the triplets.

I agree that ship has sailed this year but not next. Which is why I don't want to see them give a 30 year old RB a multi-year deal. Someone asked if I would be willing to pay 8 million on a one year deal and I would do that. Assuming the draft pick compensation was no more than a 3rd or 4th. Anything that impacts our salary cap next year and I am very hesitant to do it and would rather them spend that money on the defensive line.

 

[AsthmaField]

I think they are perfectly willing to keep him unless they get what they want. Their cap even with him on the roster leaves them with ample cap space and with the top picks they have you bet Minn will play hardball with any team who has an interest.

Here is what the Yahoo article I linked says about that:

"Minnesota should have a good team in 2015. They finished very well, with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater making strides, and that was without Peterson, who missed all but one game due to the court case regarding him injuring his son while disciplining him with a switch, and then the NFL suspension that followed. From the Vikings' perspective, the second-round pick or whatever they'd get for trading Peterson wouldn't be nearly as valuable as having the former NFL MVP back in the lineup. It's not like Dogra's public comments are helping Minnesota's trade leverage either. And cutting him is out of the question because it's not like his $12.75 million base salary could be re-invested this late in free agency."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...want-to-keep-him-----who-wins--135801723.html

There are many reasons why Minny would want to keep AP. He can help them big time in getting to the post season. They have already sunk plenty of money into AP. They would suffer a ton of flak in the court of public opinion if AP goes to someplace like Dallas, lights it up and helps drive them deep into the post season (which he likely would in Big D). If Minn ends up letting him go and they have a borderline good season (which I think they probably will), then they'll get skewered by the media and fans who think they should have kept him. Not to mention that teams don't like to let players dictate when they're traded and when they're not.

If I'm Minn, the only way I risk all of that is if I get significant draft/player compensation. Significant. It would have to be numerous picks/players. Sure enough, that looks like what Minn. is doing.

They may just get a haul and trade him - but like I've said - it isn't going to be Dallas. They just don't operate that way any more (thank God).

 

[Stash]

Minn has said this: "Adrian is a member of our football team. He is under contract," Spielman said to ESPN.com in a statement that's consistent with everything the Vikings have said about the situation. "We are focused on the 2015 season and expect Adrian to be a part of that. Our whole focus is getting ready for the season with Adrian."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...want-to-keep-him-----who-wins--135801723.html

They aren't directly saying "We will pay a disgruntled player" but it is awful close to it.

No, they're not saying it. And they've repeatedly chosen to not say it whenever they've been asked.

Minn knew his salary when they made the deal with Peterson. It didn't scare them then and I don't think it scares them now.

Then why was the guaranteed money structured the way it was? Why not spread it out if you intended to honor the entire thing? Or better yet, why not guarantee more of it? C'mon, you can see this if you're willing to look.

I have no doubt that Minn would trade AP if the right compensation came down the pike to them... but it isn't going to be from Dallas. The Cowboys have made it clear they don't want to spend big dollars at RB.

RB's named Murray they have. They set the value for what they believed Murray was worth.

They've made it clear that they don't want to jeopardize the future of their cap by pushing money back for old players (Romo aside). They've made it clear they want to spend on younger guys. They've made it clear that they value draft picks more highly now than they've ever valued them. They didn't blink letting Murray to to Philly.

No, they set the number they felt Murray was worth and they stuck to it. Good for them.

They also went out and signed the best pass rusher available for one year with no ability to tag in 2016 to a big money contract.

Literally every single thing that I'm seeing screams that AP is not coming to Dallas. Maybe I'm missing something, but man, it seems clear as day to me.

All due respect, I think I've pointed out some things I do think you've missed.

 

[Stash]

I think they are perfectly willing to keep him unless they get what they want. Their cap even with him on the roster leaves them with ample cap space and with the top picks they have you bet Minn will play hardball with any team who has an interest.

I don't. I think the current salary is bad, and it only gets worse going forward.

If they don't trade him this year, they'll either pay him even more as he gets older, or they'll be forced to cut him and get nothing in return.

Unless you feel the Vikings can win it all in 2015, that doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

Not a true fact. He is not guaranteed any more money and there is talk that is what Peterson is wanting is for Minn to guarantee the remainder of his contract

I thought that was the case. Sorry. Well, I dont think they guarantee the remainder, but they might pony up 13 million for next year.

 

[Stash]

I agree that ship has sailed this year but not next. Which is why I don't want to see them give a 30 year old RB a multi-year deal. Someone asked if I would be willing to pay 8 million on a one year deal and I would do that. Assuming the draft pick compensation was no more than a 3rd or 4th. Anything that impacts our salary cap next year and I am very hesitant to do it and would rather them spend that money on the defensive line.

From what I have read, our cap situation gets better going forward, and better still depending on how the Carr situation works itself out. Who is it that you have your eyes on for saving that money for 2016? Could the team not fill that need in the draft this year for much less?

 

[esloan]

From what I have read, our cap situation gets better going forward, and better still depending on how the Carr situation works itself out. Who is it that you have your eyes on for saving that money for 2016? Could the team not fill that need in the draft this year for much less?

Could the team not fill the RB need for much less in the draft? It goes both ways, ya know? And, statistically speaking, it is much, much easier to find an impact RB in the draft than it is an impact defensive lineman.

 

[pansophy]

The rarest of examples. So, you're saying you expect Peterson to retire?

Peterson did threaten that early on, though I'm not sure I believe him.

You'll have to be more specific on what you think those parameters are? Too much grey are from the 'con' side in this debate.

Stephen has said repeatedly that he has no interest in dropping significant resources into the RB position (especially an older RB). He said that when we were negotiating with Murray and he is saying that now. In fact, the way we got Murray in the first place is that we drafted him! We have signed a lot of big $$$ FA's before; when has that ever been at the RB position? All of the actions the Cowboys have taken are in alignment with not spending resources on a RB.

Therefore, I do not think the Cowboys would trade ANY pick for AP because I also do not think that they would pay him any more than what they offered Murray even if he should be cut. Now if you can tell me that Peterson will play for what Murray refused then we have something to discuss, but otherwise all the evidence screams that Dallas has no interest at all in getting AP to Dallas.

What evidence do you think exists to suggest otherwise?

For someone to think we can simply plug anyone behind this line and have the same success is both ignorant and arrogant.

I hope for all of our sake the Cowboys are smarter than that.

For the record this is how we got two HOF running backs on our rosters (and Murray), by drafting them. This is a very deep draft for RB. People have screamed for years about all the big contracts Jerry has dolled out that come back to bite us because he was always trying to build the team as if it was 1 year away from the super bowl. We are finally trying to build a sustainable program where we are competitive every year and fans can't see it. Go figure.

 

[Stash]

Here is what the Yahoo article I linked says about that:

"Minnesota should have a good team in 2015. They finished very well, with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater making strides, and that was without Peterson, who missed all but one game due to the court case regarding him injuring his son while disciplining him with a switch, and then the NFL suspension that followed. From the Vikings' perspective, the second-round pick or whatever they'd get for trading Peterson wouldn't be nearly as valuable as having the former NFL MVP back in the lineup. It's not like Dogra's public comments are helping Minnesota's trade leverage either. And cutting him is out of the question because it's not like his $12.75 million base salary could be re-invested this late in free agency."

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...want-to-keep-him-----who-wins--135801723.html

There are many reasons why Minny would want to keep AP. He can help them big time in getting to the post season. They have already sunk plenty of money into AP. They would suffer a ton of flak in the court of public opinion if AP goes to someplace like Dallas, lights it up and helps drive them deep into the post season (which he likely would in Big D). If Minn ends up letting him go and they have a borderline good season (which I think they probably will), then they'll get skewered by the media and fans who think they should have kept him. Not to mention that teams don't like to let players dictate when they're traded and when they're not.

If I'm Minn, the only way I risk all of that is if I get significant draft/player compensation. Significant. It would have to be numerous picks/players. Sure enough, that looks like what Minn. is doing.

Again, I will cut through everything else and ask:

Does anyone think the 2015 Vikings have a chance to win it all?

If your honest answer is "No", what is the point of using $13 million that could be used otherwise - now or in the future - for one more year of a guy who doesn't want to be there?

 

[DenCWBY]

I think he will take a lot less to come to Dallas, he wants a ring in the worst way, and I want the Cowobys to get a ring in the worst way this coming year.

I think your right and a ring would help put his past off field issues that much further behind him. He has to see this line/team as his best ticket to bring back his reputation as a superior RB in the most easiest way. At some point ego comes into play here.
On the other hand I do not know his financial situation and how much of a need he has to make several more $mm to sustain his lifestyle. We'll hopefully see sooner than later as the suspense is killing me along with many in the CZ.

 

[Stash]

Could the team not fill the RB need for much less in the draft? It goes both ways, ya know?

You could get another running back, sure, but you can get a Hall of Famer -considered the best in the league - and actually upgrade your team, if you act on it.

And, statistically speaking, it is much, much easier to find an impact RB in the draft than it is an impact defensive lineman.

You should check out the post in the draft zone on that, it clearly refutes what you're saying in terms of the impact that rookie RB's have had recently.

 

[Doomsday101]

I don't. I think the current salary is bad, and it only gets worse going forward.

If they don't trade him this year, they'll either pay him even more as he gets older, or they'll be forced to cut him and get nothing in return.

Unless you feel the Vikings can win it all in 2015, that doesn't make much sense to me.

If they don't trade him this year maybe they do keep him for the remainder maybe they trade him next year. There are a lot of maybe's, but Vikes are not forced to do anything. Much of the talk is Minn has no choice in the matter fact is they control the entire situation and unless they get a very heavy offer I seriously doubt they will get rid of Peterson.

It would be different if the vikes were cap strapped but they are not

 

[Doomsday101]

I thought that was the case. Sorry. Well, I dont think they guarantee the remainder, but they might pony up 13 million for next year.

13 mill would then be enough reasons for Peterson to remain. I'm sure after last season he could use the money

 

[esloan]

You could get another running back, sure, but you can get a Hall of Famer -considered the best in the league - and actually upgrade your team, if you act on it.



You should check out the post in the draft zone on that, it clearly refutes what you're saying in terms of the impact that rookie RB's have had recently.

Recently, maybe. Historically RBs are easier to find than defensive lineman. And, whatever rookie we get, will have the benefit of playing behind one of the best offensive lines in footbal, with an elite QB and an elite WR.

 

[Stash]

Stephen has said repeatedly that he has no interest in dropping significant resources into the RB position (especially an older RB). He said that when we were negotiating with Murray and he is saying that now. In fact, the way we got Murray in the first place is that we drafted him! We have signed a lot of big $$$ FA's before; when has that ever been at the RB position? All of the actions the Cowboys have taken are in alignment with not spending resources on a RB.

When have we ever been in this unique position before? When have we lost the NFL's leading rusher? When have we had the opportunity to obtain the best in the league to replace him?

Therefore, I do not think the Cowboys would trade ANY pick for AP because I also do not think that they would pay him any more than what they offered Murray even if he should be cut. Now if you can tell me that Peterson will play for what Murray refused then we have something to discuss, but otherwise all the evidence screams that Dallas has no interest at all in getting AP to Dallas.

Or quite possibly, the team set an amount that they felt Murray was worth, rather than 'the running back position' overall?

What evidence do you think exists to suggest otherwise?

Rather than rehash 100 + pages, I'll just recommend using Google and the words "Peterson" and "Cowboys".

For the record this is how we got two HOF running backs on our rosters (and Murray), by drafting them. This is a very deep draft for RB. People have screamed for years about all the big contracts Jerry has dolled out that come back to bite us because he was always trying to build the team as if it was 1 year away from the super bowl. We are finally trying to build a sustainable program where we are competitive every year and fans can't see it. Go figure.

I still fail to see how obtaining Peterson stops the team from drafting. But this team has a two to three-year window with this current quarterback and I'm not much interested in being patient and waiting for a rookie running back's growing pains to pass during that time. Only to see Romo leaving when the rookie is finally 'ready'.

 

[Stash]

Recently, maybe. Historically RBs are easier to find than defensive lineman. And, whatever rookie we get, will have the benefit of playing behind one of the best offensive lines in footbal, with an elite QB and an elite WR.

You see what the numbers clearly show.

And 'Hall of Fame' running backs are not easy to find. Not in any way, shape, or form.

 

[Broges74]

You see what the numbers clearly show.

And 'Hall of Fame' running backs are not easy to find. Not in any way, shape, or form.

That doesn't matter as much as losing a 1st rd pick which the Vikes don't deserve. They're trying to get the most out of the commodity they have which I respect but if TB or any other team is willing to pay a hefty price, you've got to let it play out.