Vikings, Peterson reach deal to keep him playing in Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings and star running back Adrian Peterson said Tuesday they've agreed to restructure the final three years of Peterson's contract to keep him playing in Minnesota.
Terms weren't disclosed. But in a statement released by the Vikings, Peterson said the reworked deal "provides additional security for me" and "allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL."
Peterson and the Vikings have had an up-and-down relationship over the past year.
Peterson was indicted in Texas in September on a felony charge of injury to a child for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son. That led to his suspension without pay for the remainder of the 2014-15 NFL season.
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He avoided jail time by pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault.
The league in April reinstated Peterson on the condition he fulfill his remaining legal obligations as well as commitments made to the NFL to an "ongoing program of counseling and treatment."
In June, the team welcomed back a chastened Peterson, who said he'd fulfilled those obligations, including the counseling.
Despite speculation that the controversy would lead Peterson to play elsewhere, the former NFL Most Value Player said Tuesday he wanted to be here.
"It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again," Peterson said in a statement.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman called the restructured deal "a positive step toward Adrian finishing his career as a Minnesota Viking. As we have consistently said, Adrian is a valuable part of the Vikings organization and we look forward to his return to the field."