Mothman wrote:That seems to be the common, angry, (mis)interpretation of the situation but no, I don't think a raise is the point here. Guaranteed money is not the same as a raise. Currently, none of the $47+ million remaining on peterson's deal is guaranteed. If the Vikinsg want to keep him for the next 3 years, they could conceivably save money by renegotiating and guaranteeing a portion of Peterson's salary.
BTW, he played in game one last year so he's played since 2013, even if it was only once.
That's my take on it too. I think AD just wants to know he's wanted in Minnesota, and what better way to demonstrate it than by guaranteeing his future. Some may not agree with it in principle, and further, it might not be the smartest thing to do from a football perspective, but it would be a way to clearly demonstrate that yes, the Vikings really value and want AD on the team.
If it's done intelligently, it could work out for both AD and the Vikings by, as you mention, saving them money in the latter part of the deal. But it does assume a lot and to some extent flies in the face of a lot of data that suggests AD's best years are likely behind him or will be very soon. Spielman needs to walk a very fine line on this one. AD might be the exception that comes out and tears things up over the next 3 years, and having him on the team taking pressure off Bridgewater would only speed Teddy's development. On the other hand, giving AD guaranteed money might make them overlook a RB draft class stocked full of talent this year and that might take them well beyond the next 3 years at the position.
