Minnesota Vikings fullback Jerome Felton, the man who went to the Pro Bowl in 2012 after lead blocking for RB Adrian Peterson during his 2,097-yard campaign, has decided to test the waters of free agency come March 10th, per a report by Ben Goessling of ESPN.com:
Felton told ESPN via text message on Tuesday afternoon he had opted out of his contract for 2015, making official a move that the fullback said was likely at the end of the 2014 season. The 28-year-old had a solid 2014 season, but saw his playing time dwindle once Peterson was placed on the commissioner's exempt list in Week 2. He played just 175 snaps in 2014, with his season-high of 18 coming in Minnesota's season-opening win over the St. Louis Rams -- the only game Peterson played.
Felton signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the team after his impressive 2012 campaign. However, he was given the option to opt out this offseason after restructuring his deal with the team last offseason.
After the offense shifted to more one-back formations and shotgun sets with Peterson suspended and rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater under center, Felton's role diminished greatly, prompting him to look for a more prominent role elsewhere.
"Once Adrian went down, it changed things," Felton said. "For a while there, my numbers went back up and I started playing well. But when you have the best running back in the world, that changes the offense. (Offensive coordinator) Norv (Turner) and (running backs coach) Kirby (Wilson) were always great communicating with me. The team supported me in what I was doing. It was a tough year from the standpoint of wanting to do more, but I felt like I grew as a leader this year. I didn't let those things turn me into a negative influence in the locker room. I tried to keep supporting my guys."
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