Ex NFL Coach & GM - Cowboys Easy Choice Is Adrian Peterson

[Manwiththeplan]

But JJ Watt is only 25 years old? I think he's got many more years left and is therefore a building block for the present and future. And you're assuming that they would simply spend that $15 million on one player? Heck, they could sign 5-6 guys to help improve the team for that cost.

And Adrian Peterson is only 29. And they have a $15 million to spend even if they keep Peterson, so yea, I'd assume if they were to spend close to $30 million a very large chunk is going to some elite player.

Again, to have the cap space. If they know they're not paying him $15 million, they're going to cut him at some point. Why lock up that cap space until after all of the premium free agents have already signed elsewhere?

Because they can negotiate with free agents as if they have that room and wait and cut him only when they need it to sign someone.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Why trade for a guy you know will be cut? DeSean Jackson was on the outs in Philadelphia and the Eagles couldn't get even a 7th round pick for him. Why? Because teams weren't about to give up anything for a guy they know will be cut.

To say nothing of the fact that why would Peterson agree to be traded anywhere he doesn't want to go? Why would he give up his desire to play in Texas if he can simply refuse until he's released?

Because it isn't a forgone conclusion that he would be cut. Again, it could be lip service, but no one was coming out saying how much they wanted Jackson to remain in Phily.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

No, there really isn't.

Again, the benefit is it gets him out of Minnesota. They do not sound like they are all ready to move on from Peterson.

 

[Stash]

And Adrian Peterson is only 29. And they have a $15 million to spend even if they keep Peterson, so yea, I'd assume if they were to spend close to $30 million a very large chunk is going to some elite player.

I wouldn't. That team is more than one player - Adrian Peterson or otherwise - away from a championship. They need a lot of help.

Because they can negotiate with free agents as if they have that room and wait and cut him only when they need it to sign someone.

Those free agents aren't waiting for an 'IOU' from the Vikings.

There is a prime free agent period and then there's picking over leftovers.

 

[Stash]

Because it isn't a forgone conclusion that he would be cut. Again, it could be lip service, but no one was coming out saying how much they wanted Jackson to remain in Phily.

If Minnesota approaches anybody about a possible trade, does that say to you that they're keeping him?

They weren't saying anything.

And yeah, I fully expect that this is entirely lip service and most reports feel the same way. Nobody benefits by publicly saying that they 'hope to move on'.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I wouldn't. That team is more than one player - Adrian Peterson or otherwise - away from a championship. They need a lot of help.

You wouldn't, and I wouldn't either, but NFL teams don't always operate that way. Teams don't usually go into fire sale mode, even if it would benefit them long term, because it's a big PR hit.

Those free agents aren't waiting for an 'IOU' from the Vikings.

There is a prime free agent period and then there's picking over leftovers.

No one is talking about IOUs. I can offer you $5 million, even if I have $3million in cap space. I don't need to release anyone to create the room until you agree. And this is the point you are constantly glossing over. Until they literally need it, like someone has accepted a deal that requires them to create cap space, they don't need to do anything.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

If Minnesota approaches anybody about a possible trade, does that say to you that they're keeping him?

They weren't saying anything.

And yeah, I fully expect that this is entirely lip service and most reports feel the same way. Nobody benefits by publicly saying that they 'hope to move on'.

To me, I think they are open to several possibilities. Could be a trade, could release him and given the right circumstances, they could keep him. What I don't think will happen, is they release him early in the offseason.

 

[Stash]

You wouldn't, and I wouldn't either, but NFL teams don't always operate that way. Teams don't usually go into fire sale mode, even if it would benefit them long term, because it's a big PR hit.

And that's precisely why I think the Vikings are publicly saying they want him back. When both parties agree to an 'amicable split and thank each other, nobody has to look like the bad guy.

No one is talking about IOUs. I can offer you $5 million, even if I have $3million in cap space. I don't need to release anyone to create the room until you agree. And this is the point you are constantly glossing over. Until they literally need it, like someone has accepted a deal that requires them to create cap space, they don't need to do anything.

I'm not glossing over it, I'm saying that the players aren't going to wait for the Vikings to make cap room unless they don't have another offer. When free agency opens, the Vikings need to have their cap in order, not $15 million tied up in a contract and player they don't want.

 

[Stash]

To me, I think they are open to several possibilities. Could be a trade, could release him and given the right circumstances, they could keep him. What I don't think will happen, is they release him early in the offseason.

I think they release him in time for March 10th.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

I'm not glossing over it, I'm saying that the players aren't going to wait for the Vikings to make cap room unless they don't have another offer. When free agency opens, the Vikings need to have their cap in order, not $15 million tied up in a contract and player they don't want.

And you are completely wrong. They don't need the cap space at that time to negotiate with free agents. Unless Ndamekung Suh is planning on day 1 of free agency, he can be considering offers from the Vikings and a whole host of teams. If he decides to take theirs, THEN, they could cut Peterson to create space.

Or in a far more likely scenarion, they sign several lower tier free agents, but still would not need to release Peterson until, they have spent roughly $16 million in cap sapce.

 

[Nightman]

I think they release him in time for March 10th.

MINN has been couching their responses since the season ended. If they were going to keep him all they have to say is "Adrian is under contract and we plan on honoring that deal, period." Instead they have said they are monitoring the appeal, they want him back but have to wait for the league, etc....

And this has nothing to do with Dallas. MINN is building a new stadium and if the owner can save another 25-30m by not paying AD then that alone is a good enough reason. McKinnon and Asiata filled in decently last year for peanuts.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

The latest bit of news from PFT:

Kevin Warren promotion could seal Adrian Peterson’s fate in Minnesota

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...ould-seal-adrian-petersons-fate-in-minnesota/

In November, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Peterson specifically was referring to Warren when Peterson said that someone in the organization was working against Peterson. With Warren assuming a greater role and higher profile in the organization, it may become even harder for coach Mike Zimmer to persuade Peterson to choose to stay.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...-support-adrian-peterson-amid-possible-return

"Kevin Warren, who was promoted to chief operating officer Thursday morning, said in a conference call that he would welcome Peterson back, adding that he hoped to win multiple Super Bowls with Peterson in Minnesota and looked forward to attending Peterson's Hall of Fame induction ceremony."

 

[Stash]

And you are completely wrong. They don't need the cap space at that time to negotiate with free agents. Unless Ndamekung Suh is planning on day 1 of free agency, he can be considering offers from the Vikings and a whole host of teams. If he decides to take theirs, THEN, they could cut Peterson to create space.

OK, you keep thinking that. And for the record, Suh is exactly the type of free agent that signs a monster deal on day one of free agency, when the biggest money is being spent.

Or in a far more likely scenarion, they sign several lower tier free agents, but still would not need to release Peterson until, they have spent roughly $16 million in cap sapce.

Why is it 'far more likely' that a team with as many needs as the Vikings signs 'lower tier free agents'? So they can maintain their current run of mediocrity?

And there is no need to play games with a player you don't have the intention of keeping.

 

[Stash]

MINN has been couching their responses since the season ended. If they were going to keep him all they have to say is "Adrian is under contract and we plan on honoring that deal, period." Instead they have said they are monitoring the appeal, they want him back but have to wait for the league, etc....

And this has nothing to do with Dallas. MINN is building a new stadium and if the owner can save another 25-30m by not paying AD then that alone is a good enough reason. McKinnon and Asiata filled in decently last year for peanuts.

Exactly. That team last year would have one what? 1 more game with Peterson? They have plenty of needs, but paying $15 million at running back isn't one of 'em.

 

[Stash]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...-support-adrian-peterson-amid-possible-return

"Kevin Warren, who was promoted to chief operating officer Thursday morning, said in a conference call that he would welcome Peterson back, adding that he hoped to win multiple Super Bowls with Peterson in Minnesota and looked forward to attending Peterson's Hall of Fame induction ceremony."

Man, that plot thickens. It will be very interesting to see how this thing eventually plays out. If he's not staying, some people are going to look like real liars.

 

[Nightman]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/1...-support-adrian-peterson-amid-possible-return

"Kevin Warren, who was promoted to chief operating officer Thursday morning, said in a conference call that he would welcome Peterson back, adding that he hoped to win multiple Super Bowls with Peterson in Minnesota and looked forward to attending Peterson's Hall of Fame induction ceremony."

That guy hates Peterson and is now the boss. That's corporate double speak.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...al-counsel-has-been-working-against-peterson/

 

[Manwiththeplan]

OK, you keep thinking that. And for the record, Suh is exactly the type of free agent that signs a monster deal on day one of free agency, when the biggest money is being spent.

Even if he does, would his first year cap number exceed the Vikings 16 million in cap space? Even if it did, please explain just one time, why they would need to release Peterson before Suh agrees to terms?

Why is it 'far more likely' that a team with as many needs as the Vikings signs 'lower tier free agents'? So they can maintain their current run of mediocrity?

Simply because they aren't a premiere destination. And if they don't land one of the elite players out there, first year cap numbers aren't that high, so it would take several players before they needed the space.

And there is no need to play games with a player you don't have the intention of keeping.

So no team has ever done this?

 

[Stash]

Even if he does, would his first year cap number exceed the Vikings 16 million in cap space? Even if it did, please explain just one time, why they would need to release Peterson before Suh agrees to terms?

They would have to have the cap space in order for him to sign the contract presented to him and submit that deal for league approval. Are you arguing over a matter of a few hours?

Simply because they aren't a premiere destination. And if they don't land one of the elite players out there, first year cap numbers aren't that high, so it would take several players before they needed the space.

For many players, if the Vikings were the highest bidder, they would quickly become a 'premier destination' for that player. Just last year, Jared Allen chose the Bears over the Seahawks, in retrospect not a great decision, but he got paid.

So no team has ever done this?

Under your scenario? I don't remember one doing that, no. If you have a specific example I'd be interested.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

They would have to have the cap space in order for him to sign the contract presented to him and submit that deal for league approval. Are you arguing over a matter of a few hours?

Actually quite the opposite, my point is, the Vikings will not burn through $16 million in cap space in a matter of hours. It will take time, and until that time, they won't need the $12 million in savings from releasing Peterson. So if they land Suh, which I'm not sure how likely that is, they may be forced to release Peterson in order to fill other holes, but if they don't land Suh, Hardy, JPP or any other elite free agent, it may not be until April, May or Post June 1 that they need to make that decision.

For many players, if the Vikings were the highest bidder, they would quickly become a 'premier destination' for that player. Just last year, Jared Allen chose the Bears over the Seahawks, in retrospect not a great decision, but he got paid.

....even if they release Peterson, they won't be among the top 5 teams with the most cap space. And Oakland has tons of room each offseason, but premier free agents don't go there. Minnesota isn't in that category, but money isn't everything.

Under your scenario? I don't remember one doing that, no. If you have a specific example I'd be interested.

Google Al Davis and Marcus Allen, stuff like this happens, and I'm not even suggesting anything as harsh as holding him for years, just exploring options til June 1st at the latest.

 

[Nightman]

Actually quite the opposite, my point is, the Vikings will not burn through $16 million in cap space in a matter of hours. It will take time, and until that time, they won't need the $12 million in savings from releasing Peterson. So if they land Suh, which I'm not sure how likely that is, they may be forced to release Peterson in order to fill other holes, but if they don't land Suh, Hardy, JPP or any other elite free agent, it may not be until April, May or Post June 1 that they need to make that decision.

They have plenty of cap space, it's the cash money they want to save.