The Facts:
The Vikings will look for a possible franchise QB in the NFL draft. They also might seek a future key running back. Peterson will play in 2014, his final season in his 20s. With backup Toby Gerhart having bolted to Jacksonville as a free agent, it's not too early to be thinking about Peterson's eventual replacement. For the immediate future, the Vikings at least need a runner to spell Peterson as they plan to decrease his carries under new OC Norv Turner. "He's getting to the point where you don't have to give him the ball 50 times a game for 16 games," said GM Rick Spielman.
Reported by the St. Paul Pioneer-Press
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Minnesota doesn't have a surefire No. 2 back on the roster. Matt Asiata filled in for the injured Peterson and Gerhart in two games last December and performed admirably with 166 yards on 44 carries (a 3.8 average). But Asiata, entering his third season, is still raw. Meanwhile, as Profootballtalk.com notes, Peterson will receive a base salary of $11.75 million in 2014. Next year, it moves to $12.75 million. Then, it climbs to $14.75 million. By 2017, Peterson will make $15.75 million. As the price tag goes up each year, the Vikings seem to be planning a reduction in Peterson’s workload. So
how much longer can the Vikings afford to pay eight figures to a guy who plays a position with a value that has been plummeting? While the end might not be in sight at this point, it's something fantasy football owners need to start considering, especially those in Dynasty leagues.
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