With Adrian Peterson ticketed to remain with Vikings, agent strikes new tone

Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO — The first round of the NFL draft came and went without a trade involving Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson.

And while Peterson's agent isn't ending his quest to get his client a fresh start elsewhere, Ben Dogra struck a more conciliatory tone late Thursday night, urging the Vikings to show good faith and convince the 2012 NFL MVP he's truly wanted in Minnesota.

"One of the things that I appreciate with the Vikings is their resolve to say 'we're not trading him,'" Dogra told USA TODAY Sports. "That tells me they value him not only as a football player, but what he's done for the organization.

"I actually, as an agent, not only appreciate it — I accept it. But actions speak louder than words. If that's going to happen, and you want to keep him, then show him a commitment to make him retire as a Viking. And I haven't had that solution."

In other words, the Vikings could guarantee at least a portion of Peterson's remaining contract, which is worth $46 million over the next three years, none of it guaranteed.

Failing that, Dogra has been pushing for a trade. But he said Thursday he never expected a team to offer up a first-round pick, given Peterson's age (30) and mileage (2,054 career carries). And the Vikings have said repeatedly their intent is for Peterson to play for them in 2015.

"I'm not getting into who called or not called," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Thursday night. "Adrian Peterson is under contract as a Minnesota Viking. End of story."

Peterson was reinstated by the NFL on April 16 after missing most of last season following his indictment on a felony charge for injuring his 4-year-old son while disciplining the boy with a wooden switch. He pled no contest to a misdemeanor Nov. 4 and avoided jail time.

Dogra has his own problems. He was fired for cause by Creative Artists Agency in November, and the NFL Players Association wants him to appear Monday and answer for a variety of allegations, including a public confrontation with Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski in February.

During the months-long standoff with the Vikings, Dogra also has told reporters that he wants Peterson out of Minnesota and posted some provocative messages on Facebook, once posing in front of a Peterson jersey wearing a hat of a potential suitor, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"My biggest regret would be if I set Adrian in any different light, in a negative manner," said Dogra, who is now with Relativity Sports. "My job as a representative is to be his advocate. And I understand that may mean myself taking the bullets and facing scrutiny. I signed up for that job.

"Adrian didn't hire me to fight for me. He hired me to fight for him. And it's not my job to be everybody's best friend. It's my job to do what's right by him, and it's as simple as that."

Peterson has not been present for the Vikings' voluntary offseason workouts, which isn't unusual. The Vikings' first organized team activity practice is May 26, and Dogra declined to answer directly whether Peterson will attend.

"That's Adrian's decision," Dogra said. "He's a grown man. He's got strong principles. He's endured a lot. It's when he feels that true commitment. Adrian's a very passionate person, very transparent. It's when he feels it's right."

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