Adrian Peterson
Suspended Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (L) exits following his hearing against the NFL over his punishment for child abuse, in New York December 2, 2014. Peterson was suspended two weeks ago by the National Football League without pay for at least the remainder of the 2014 season for using a tree branch to discipline his son. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Adrian Peterson recently rejoined the Minnesota Vikings in the team OTAs, following their dispute. Yahoo Sports reported that the 30-year-old running back is expected to earn $12.75 million in the 2015 NFL season. He is also set to continue playing for the Vikings in the next two years. Peterson participated in the team OTAs without his contract being reworked, which was one of his requests. He will most likely get his $250,000 offseason workout bonus, despite missing the May OTAs.

These might be the Vikings’ way of improving their relationship with Peterson. He previously wanted out of Minnesota after he was charged with child abuse for his method of disciplining his young son. He avoided prison but felt that the team was not behind him throughout the ordeal, causing him to try and look for another team to play. The Vikings, particularly coach Mike Zimmer, however, did not want to let the running back go. According to Zimmer, Peterson had a deal with the team lasting three years, so he only has the option to play for them. The Vikings could have traded Peterson but they did not. The Vikings openly expressed that they wanted him back in their roster in the next season.

Although his $12.75 million becomes guaranteed in Week One, Peterson risks losing his salary in the final years if he suffers an injury in the upcoming season. His $15 million salary in 2016 is not guaranteed as well as his 2017 earnings. This means that if the running back suffers an injury, Minnesota can release him without any repercussions. Peterson has to stay healthy to remain the highest paid running back in the league in 2015 and 2016.

In the meantime, fans and experts believe that the Vikings should create a compromise on Peterson’s contract to avoid any similar offseason problems in the future. The team might set some contract guarantees in the following weeks.

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