General manager Rick Spielman expects Adrian Peterson to be back next ...

• 18 February, 2015 //
• Vikings //
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By Chris Tomasson

ctomasson@pioneerpress.com

INDIANAPOLIS _ General manager Rick Spielman said Wednesday he expects suspended running back Adrian Peterson to be back with the Vikings next season.

Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf and chief operating officer Kevin Warren said last week they would welcome Peterson back. Speaking at the scouting combine, Spielman took that a step further.

We expect Adrian Peterson to be part of our football team, Spielman said.

Peterson missed the final 15 games last season following an indictment on a felony charge of child abuse. He pleaded no contest in November to misdemeanor reckless assault, and was suspended by the NFL for the final six games.

Peterson cant apply for reinstatement until April 15. The NFL Players Association has sued the NFL on his behalf for immediate reinstatement.

Peterson is under contract next season for $12.75 million, but none of it is guaranteed. There has been speculation Peterson might have to renegotiate his deal to return, but Spielman wouldnt address his contract situation.

I think our whole organization is on that same page (about wanting Peterson back), Spielman said. What team wouldnt want an Adrian Peterson talent? Hes unique player that you dont see come around too often and Adrians been a key part of our organization. Hes made a mistake. Hes doing everything and hes got to follow through and rectify and do the things the NFL is requiring him to do.

Spielman cant talk to Peterson while he is under suspension and said only a few members of the organization are allowed contact. He wouldnt name the individuals but said his belief is Peterson is fulfilling all his NFL-required steps to be reinstated.

Were assuming hes taken all those steps to require to get him back on the field but we cant have communication with him, Spielman said.

Also Wednesday, Spielman would not say whether Matt Cassel will return to the Vikings as the backup quarterback. Cassel is under contract in 2015 for $4.75 million, but he can be released next month without any further financial obligation.

Nothing definitely has been decided for you to know, Spielman said.

However, Spielman spoke well of Cassel. He began last season as the starter before suffering a season-ending broken foot in the third game. Rookie Teddy Bridgewater took over as the starter and remains in that role after a strong season.

We went through our process, Spielman said when asked about Cassel. We evaluated all of our players. We looked at everything from what they bring to our football team in the locker room, off the field, what they bring to us on the field. But we also have to look at where theyre at from a standpoint on their contract, where were at from a cap standpoint. Weve got a lot of unknowns now from that standpoint.

We just assess all our guys. And Matts done a great job. He came in and has won some games when he had to play and hes a great locker room guy and Matt has a lot of value to us.

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Source: http://blogs.twincities.com/vikings/2015/02/18/general-manager-rick-spielman-expects-adrian-peterson-back-next-season-vikings/