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NFC North 2017 Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL: Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
NFL: Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks /

Minnesota Vikings 

Prediction: Vikings will restructure and retain RB Adrian Peterson 

It’s a little odd seeing Peterson’s tenure as a Viking reach this stage. However, it was something that gradually unfolded over the years.

Peterson is currently 31 years of age and will be 32 before the draft even starts. March 8th is the deadline for the Vikings to make a decision on Peterson and in actuality, both parties need each other.

AP’s contract shows he is scheduled to count for $18 million dollars against the cap this offseason for the Vikings. That cap number includes a $6 million dollar roster bonus that is due on March 11th. For a back that is soon to be 32, who missed three games last season and 15 games during the 2014 season due to suspension, Minnesota may be weary of allowing Peterson to even sniff half of that money this season.

The free agency market is dry at running back for Minnesota. Outside of MAYBE Pittsburgh RB Le’Veon Bell hitting the market, there really is not much quality out on the market at the position. Keep in mind that the Vikings do not have a first round draft pick because of the Sam Bradford trade last offseason. With a veteran led team, it may not get any better than having an Adrian Peterson in the backfield.

Peterson also has shown small glimpses of decline and be aware that 32 years old is considered “old age” among NFL standards. With that said, he’s a better option, when healthy, than a number of other candidates in the free agency pool. Peterson will unlikely find the amount of money he covets on the market. His best bet may be to swallow his pride a little, take a pay cut, and help steer the Vikings ship in the right direction.

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