In this Vikings news update, Adrian Peterson's future with the Minnesota Vikings remains unclear despite the possibility of reinstatement as early as next week.
The Vikings' executive staff is weighing how they would appear welcoming back Peterson after felony child-abuse charges were knocked down to a no contest of misdemeanor assault thanks to a plea deal.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, both Peterson's attitude during the proceedings and his contract going forward may spell the end of his time in Minnesota sooner rather than later:
Peterson has also seemed aloof and immature in the face of such serious charges, sources said, not seeming to grasp the magnitude of the situation, and there is a fear within the team of further backlash if they bring him back. At 4-5 the Vikings are on the periphery of the NFC playoff picture.
Peterson is set to make $12.75 million in base salary in 2015 -- 25 percent more than any other running back in the NFL (LeSean McCoy at $9.75M) -- and double every other running back in the league in total compensation in 2015. His contract was out of line with current NFL economic realities at his position already even before his legal problems, and several league sources continue to believe no matter what happens in the short term, Peterson will not be back with the Vikings in 2015, regardless.
The Vikings, some NFL analysts speculate, could choose to wash their hands of Peterson this year seeing that they are likely to part ways with him this offseason.
However, nothing is set in stone as of yet - especially with the locker room seemingly close to unanimous in their desire to see the former face of the franchise back with the team.
Stay tuned.
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