The support for Adrian Peterson’s return to the Vikings is gaining steam.
After team COO Kevin Warren came out in support of the running back coming back, General Manager Rick Spielman gave it more weight Wednesday morning.
“We expect Adrian Peterson to be part of our football team,” Spielman said, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Peterson’s under contract to the Vikings, at $12.75 million for next season. That number has led to plenty of speculation about his future, and Spielman wouldn’t talk about any potential restructuring.
“I think our whole organization is on that same page [about wanting Peterson back],” Spielman said. “What team wouldn’t want an Adrian Peterson talent? He’s unique player that you don’t see come around too often and Adrian’s been a key part of our organization.
“He’s made a mistake. He’s doing everything and he’s got to follow through and rectify and do the things the NFL is requiring him to do.”
Peterson’s working to resolve his suspension from the NFL, which says he can’t apply for reinstatement until April 15.
With the free agency/trade period a month before that, it’s clear that others would like it resolved as well, but the round of endorsements Peterson’s receiving from team officials seems coordinated.
Then again, they had “no intent” to trade Percy Harvin, right before they traded Percy Harvin.