Vikings Could Face Issues With Adrian Peterson's Contract

Say something like "Brett Favre was the MVP of the Minnesota Vikings in 2009," and you won't get many arguments from people who actually watched the team's games.

Similarly, there is no argument that the most important player the Vikings have on that side of the ball isn't Favre. Instead, it's Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson.

Despite some grumblings about his fumbles (even though he fumbled two fewer times than in 2008), Peterson still ran for over 1,300 yards, set a career high with 43 receptions, and reached the end zone 18 times. With two years left on his rookie deal signed in 2007 (the last year of that six-year pact will likely be voided), Peterson could be next in line among NFL players looking to cash in on their talents.

Michael Lombardi of NFL.com mentioned Peterson's name in a column Sunday, noting that he could be the next player to express displeasure over his deal.

The next player to complain about his contract will be Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who missed the mandatory minicamp due to a scheduling conflict.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has a breakdown of Peterson's deal. He should make around $7 million this season, then between $11 million and $13 million -- depending on escalator clauses -- in 2011.

Peterson's decision to skip the Vikings' mandatory minicamp -- which was held the same weekend as the annual Adrian Peterson Day in his hometown -- may have irked a few people in the organization. If he raises a stink over his deal, he isn't likely to win a lot of fans in team headquarters. After all, he and agent Ben Dogra have had the entire offseason to bark about the deal and try to get changes made, yet there has been nothing leaked that would indicate conversations have taken place.

Expect this to change. It's unlikely Dogra will want Peterson playing out his rookie deal, especially with the uncertain labor negotiations ahead.