As the Minnesota Vikings near the beginning of the new NFL year on March 10 and the start of free agency, an inescapable uncertainty clouds their agenda.
Everything Minnesota will want to accomplish in the offseason will be done with the unknown status of running back Adrian Peterson, whose availability could well linger into the summer as the NFL and NFL Players Association do battle in the courts.
The Vikings, at least publically, have declared they want Peterson back. Peterson, in his limited announcements, expresses uneasiness with the organization without going as far to say he doesn't want to return. The standoff between the league and players union, and Minnesota and its all-time leading rusher will continue even once free agency begins.
Peterson is due $15.4 million against the Vikings' salary cap. General manager Rick Spielman acted as if the number won't be prohibitive to Peterson's return.
"It depends on who the player is and where your cap situation is," Spielman said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "But Adrian Peterson . . . is a pretty unique talent."
Minnesota's offense evolved with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner and took an added step in development as rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater thrived late last season. Peterson would be an explosive addition to the backfield or a potential hole to fill.
When free agency opens, the Vikings won't be looking for a Peterson replacement, according to head coach Mike Zimmer. The team could look to a strong running back class in the draft, but Zimmer said the team isn't interested in free-agent running backs.
There are a few potential areas of need Minnesota could look to offensively in free agency:
1. Left guard
The situation: In all likelihood, Minnesota only has one starting spot still open on offense. Of course, a Peterson departure could change the outlook but the Vikings will return Jerick McKinnon and have Matt Asiata as a restricted free agent at running back. However, after releasing left guard Charlie Johnson last week, there is a hole to be filled on the offensive line.
The incumbent: There are no immediate solutions on the roster unless David Yankey takes a big step in the offseason or undrafted lineman Austin Wentworth shows he's worthy of a starting spot. Joe Berger and Vladimir Ducasse, who each started games last season, are free agents, as well. Yankey could be groomed for the role, but the coaches felt he needed to get stronger as he spent his entire rookie season as an observer from the sideline.
The outside help: The draft can't be discounted for possible options. Finding a veteran option in free agency will likely be explored and there are many routes Minnesota could take. If it wanted to break the bank, San Francisco's Mike Iupati is considered the marquee option. Iupati is a big name and former first-round draft pick. Iupati will be 28 when next season begins, still falling in Spielman's preferred range of signing free agents under 30 years old. Iupati is a mauler in run blocking but was graded negatively by the analytical website Pro Football Focus in pass blocking.
Another high-end possibility is Denver's Orlando Franklin, who has experience at guard and tackle. An underrated option is Cincinnati's Clint Boling. The depth at the position in free agency was improved when Atlanta released Justin Blalock and Philadelphia cut Todd Herremans. Seattle's James Carpenter is a former first-round draft pick who will only be 26 when next season begins. Re-signing Berger -- either to factor in at guard or a return in a backup role -- shouldn't be discounted.
2. Wide receiver
The situation: Aside from Peterson's status, no position holds as much intrigue for the Vikings this offseason as wide receiver. Charles Johnson developed into Minnesota's top receiver at the end of last season and Turner confirmed as much by saying the same at the combine.
Johnson is joined by steady veteran Greg Jennings and younger receivers Jarius Wright, Cordarrelle Patterson and Adam Thielen. More is needed.
Much has been made of both Patterson's talent and his lack of development. Coaches gave Patterson a plan for the offseason to aid in his growth. The Vikings can't go into next season counting on a big breakthrough from Patterson. If he lives up to his potential, it should be a bonus.
The incumbents: Johnson can hold down one spot and Jennings could return as a starter. Jarius Wright is the third receiver, for now, as Patterson slid down the depth chart at the end of the season. Turner and company probably wouldn't mind an upgrade, especially in hopes of finding the elite downfield threat the team has needed for years.
The outside help: Minnesota's free-agent route could speak volumes about the coaches feelings for Johnson, Wright and Patterson, as well as the future of Jennings. If the Vikings were to chase one of the bigger names, it could speak to changes coming to the current core. Or, Minnesota could use the draft to find the elite talent to develop, counting on the complementary pieces already on the roster.
Don't expect the Vikings to get involved with top-tier option Demaryius Thomas, who was given a non-exclusive franchise tag by the Broncos. It would cost Minnesota two first-round picks to sign Thomas and Denver also have the right to match the offer. One player who is considered near the top of the free-agent class who could interest Minnesota might be Randall Cobb. Spielman's history is well-known for signing former Green Bay Packers. Green Bay hopes to bring Cobb back, so signing Cobb could deal a blow to the Packers.
Another Green Bay receiver, Jarrett Boykin, is a restricted free agent. If Green Bay has to open its wallets for Cobb, maybe it wouldn't be able to afford Boykin, too. Again, look for Spielman to look at the under-30 group if he chooses to sign a receiver. More secondary receivers likely wouldn't be a goal. Perhaps the Vikings see value or starting potential in the likes of Philadelphia's Jeremy Maclin (unlikely), Baltimore's Torrey Smith, Jacksonville's Cecil Shorts III, San Francisco's Michael Crabtree, St. Louis' Kenny Britt or Brian Hartline, who was released last week by Miami.
3. Backup offensive line
The situation: For the first time in several years, Minnesota really had to dig into its depth last season. Johnson, right guard Brandon Fusco and right tackle Phil Loadholt all missed time with injuries. Berger and Ducasse started at guard. Mike Harris filled in for Loadholt at tackle, and even saw time at guard for the first time in the NFL.
Berger has been a valuable reserve for four seasons, starting 18 games in that time. Berger is well-liked and respected in the room and could return again knowing the feelings on both sides. He likely won't be chasing a starting job elsewhere, so he could return to where a familiar place. Berger also is the top backup to John Sullivan at center.
Harris is a restricted free agent, so Minnesota is in position to keep him on the roster. They will need to tender him a qualifying offer to have the chance to match any deal Harris gets in free agency. Harris has starting experience and has played on both sides. Bringing back Harris and Richardson would provide needed depth at tackle.
The incumbent: Depth is needed because of Berger and Harris potentially reaching free agency. Minnesota doesn't have much depth currently signed along the offensive line. The backups currently stand as Yankey, Wentworth, Carter Bykowski, Zac Kerin, Jordan McCray, Antonio Richardson and Josh Samuda, an exclusive rights free agent.
The outside help: Aside from left guard, Minnesota isn't going to promise any starting spots to any free agents. Berger and Harris could return in the key backup spots. The options in free agency are players trying to find a home knowing they won't be guaranteed a starting spot or trying to secure any money they can get with the hope of filling a starting role. The Vikings could also add depth in the draft, and maybe will look to save money among their backup positions.
4. Fullback
The situation: Consider this a possibility if -- and probably only if -- Peterson returns. Jerome Felton opted out of the final year of his contract to become a free agent because his playing time slipped last season without Peterson. But if Peterson returns, perhaps the fullback becomes a bigger part of the offense again. Felton told Sirius XM radio last week that he's been in contact with Minnesota in case Peterson returns.
The incumbent: The incumbent right now, with Felton headed to free agency, is Zach Line. The Vikings kept Line on the roster all last season to avoid losing him to another team. Line only played one game all season. Minnesota didn't want to take a chance with losing a potential young fullback, though. Tight end Rhett Ellison could also see time in a fullback-type role, if needed.
The outside help: The outside help would likely be limited to Felton. Felton earned a Pro Bowl appearance and a new contract by blocking for Peterson and a reunion of the two in the backfield would be a boost to the Vikings' running game. If Felton doesn't return, Minnesota will likely go with Line and Ellison.
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