NFL Trade Rumors: Minnesota Vikings not letting Adrian Peterson Go

The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear that they will not be trading Adrian Peterson regardless of how badly he wants to go.

"The bottom line is Adrian's an important part of the Minnesota Vikings, and he's represented us on and off the field," Vikings owner/president Mark Wilf said earlier this week at the NFL meetings. "We're getting ready for the 2015 season, and we fully expect him to join his teammates and be part of what we feel is going to be a great season ahead."

Rumors regarding a Peterson trade surfaced when Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra spoke out about the 30-year-old running back's wishes. Dogra told USA TODAY Sports, "We want out of Minnesota."

The statement alone, however, was not enough to convince the Vikings to let Peterson go.

"Adrian's a member of our football team," general manager Rick Spielman said. "He's under contract with us. We are focused on the 2015 season and expect Adrian to be a part of that. Our whole focus is getting ready for that season with Adrian."

Head coach Mike Zimmer reiterated the Viking's position on Peterson. He said, "I'm not going to speculate on what he wants or doesn't want. Adrian's under contract for three more years with us and that's why you sign these contracts. That's why you get these big bonuses, you know? We have no plans to trade Adrian."

The Vikings stood by Peterson's side when he was going through some legal troubles related to child abuse last season. Despite only playing in one game, the team paid him his $13 million salary and expressed throughout the season that they would take Peterson back once his case was settled.

Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges for hitting his four-year-old son with a tree branch as a form of punishment. Peterson pleaded no contest and avoided prison time after accepting a plea deal. He was sentenced to a form of probation.

"I stand here and I take full responsibility for my actions. I love my son more than anyone of you could even imagine and I'm anxious to continue my relationship with my child," Peterson had said after court. "I'm just glad this is over. I can put this behind me, and me and my family can continue to move forward."

In 2012, Peterson led the Vikings to the playoffs. He rushed 2,097 yards after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery and became the sixth fastest player to reach 8,000 rushing yards. During that season, Peterson also earned the NFL MVP award and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Peterson's dominance on the field continued into the 2013 season. He became the third fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 rushing years. He was also ranked number one on the NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2013 list.

Peterson's contract ends after the 2017 season. He is due $13 million in 2015.