Adrian Peterson, Vikings Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

After a suspension that cost Adrian Peterson most of the 2014 season and caused persistent trade rumors this offseason, the star running back has agreed to restructure the final three years of his contract, the Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday.

Peterson seemed excited by the new deal and the ability to continue his career in Minnesota, as he noted in the team's statement:

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I appreciate the Vikings for working together on this restructured contract, which provides additional security for me but also allows opportunities for me to further prove my value to the team and within the NFL. It was important for me to continue my career in Minnesota, and I cannot wait to get on the field in front of Vikings fans again.

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The "additional security" is likely the key component here, as Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports noted:

Peterson also commented on his new deal with Minnesota via his Twitter account:

On Saturday, Peterson weighed in more about what the contract means for him, via Tom Pelissero of USA Today, "I'm happy to be a Viking...I'm pleased. It just shows support and they believe in me and I believe in them as well." Peterson also said there was no question in his mind whether or not the Vikings would redo his contract prior to training camp, and he "without a doubt" got the security he sought, according to Pelissero.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk broke down the new agreement, noting Peterson's contract has a base value of $44 million over three years:

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For 2015, Peterson’s $12.75 million base salary (and unearned $250,000 roster bonus) becomes an $11 million base salary that is fully guaranteed, with a $2 million roster bonus due to be paid on July 28.

For 2016, Peterson will earn a base salary of $7.75 million, $7 million of which is guaranteed for injury only at signing. The rest of it becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2016 league year. Also on the third day of the league year, Peterson earns a $5 million roster bonus.

For 2017, Peterson will earn a base salary of $11.75 million, with a $6 million roster bonus due on the third day of the league year.

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Florio previously reported Peterson would receive $20 million in guaranteed money, with some of that guaranteed for injury only.

Per Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the increases in guaranteed money will come in 2015 and 2016, and as Jason Cole of Bleacher Report noted, the deal essentially will keep Peterson with the team for the next two years.

Thus ends what has been a long standoff between the two sides over the past year, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today:

Peterson, 30, missed all but one game last season, as he was initially placed on the commissioner's exempt list and then suspended for the rest of the campaign in November after he pleaded no contest to charges of misdemeanor reckless assault in an incident involving his four-year-old son. 

The league reinstated him in April, but trade rumors quickly began buzzing, and it became clear that Peterson either wanted to be dealt or wanted a new contract. He got the latter.

Keeping Peterson was vital for an up-and-coming Vikings team that is trying to build around 22-year-old quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The star running back is a six-time Pro Bowler, a three-time First Team All-Pro, was the Associated Press MVP in 2012 and has shown little sign of slowing down, as he rushed for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns in 14 games in 2013. 

With a full year off and the motivation to show he is still one of the NFL's elite players, Peterson could be in store for a huge season in 2015 and will once again be the focal point of Minnesota's offense.