From Greg Nelson at MMQB:
The Stars May Align for Blockbuster Trades
The trades referred to in the title involve Peterson and Phillip Rivers (but not in exchange for each other—they're discussed separately). From the article:
Peterson’s negativity toward a team that paid him millions last year for not playing—and a team that wants to pay him the $12.75 million he is due this year—is puzzling to many. But his lingering hard feelings built up over the long months that he was away from the team, and they haven’t subsided.
With sponsors and the public braying, the NFL removed the toxic Peterson from the field and put him on the exempt list, the NFL’s creative version of “leave with pay.” Although Peterson and his agent, Ben Dogra, agreed to this negotiated agreement, Peterson apparently stewed while on the shelf, feeling abandoned by the Vikings. Peterson’s anger then reached a new level in November. Following his plea bargain in Texas, he and Dogra expected swift disposition from the league, but the NFL handed him an indefinite suspension that set into motion a string of arbitration and litigation.
During this long-running dispute with the league—which included Peterson taping NFL vice president Troy Vincent’s promises about reinstatement—the Vikings were conspicuously silent. In Peterson’s mind, the nice things now being said by the Vikings were nowhere to be found when that support was needed most. In contrast, the Ravens’ investment of political capital on Ray Rice’s behalf during his initial disciplinary process was conspicuous. There was no such backing from the Vikings; team officials hid behind the league, and their recent comments come at a safer distance from the controversy.
All of that seems based on what we know (ie: what has been reported) and, as has been said before, there's no way to know how accurate it is or if there's key info we don't possess. However, I thought it was one of the best summaries of the "Peterson is unhappy with the Vikings" aspect of this situation I have read, so I thought it was worth sharing.
The writer's view? He says:
These situations hang over a team like a dark cloud. At some point, I think the Vikings will look for an exit strategy. It is likely they already have. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating here: I don’t think Peterson will ever play another down for the Vikings.
