Adrian Peterson signs $100 million deal has 0 comments

Sep 10th 2011, 21:46 | FFN-Score: 39 points

You remember how last week the Titans blew your mind by signing running back Chris Johnson to a four-year deal worth $53.5 million ($30 million guaranteed)? Not surprisingly, the Vikings have gone a step further. Make, that about three steps further.

According to Pro Football Talk, Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson will sign a seven-year, $100 million ($36 million guaranteed) contract (the team has since confirmed the signing but not the length or the amount).

Which is insane money, especially for a running back. But it also means, just like what's happened in Pittsburgh with Troy Polamalu, Peterson now will likely stay in Minnesota for the rest of his career.

Said owner Zygi Wilf: "Adrian’s performances on the field have given fans so much excitement since he first joined us as a rookie. His talent and determination are remarkable and we are proud to have him be a part of the family for years to come. We are excited that in the past week we have been able to lock up Chad Greenway and Adrian for the long term. Both players have come up in our system and are the foundation to the future of the Vikings."

And coach Leslie Frazier: "Adrian is, to me, the best running back in pro football and we’re happy to have him as a part of the organization for the long term. He’s a fan favorite and a great teammate. Adrian’s a guy we lean on when he’s on the field with the ball in his hand and as a leader in the locker room.”

Usually, $100 million contracts were reserved for quarterbacks (unless your name is Albert Haynesworth) and definitely not running back. Not anymore apparently, and CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman makes a good point. Writes Freeman: "Is it a risk? Hell, yeah, it is. But it's also a sign. NFL teams, with higher salary cap numbers, awash in cash, and fully aware there will be labor peace for a decade, are willing to take more risks with guaranteed money."

Even for running backs who, almost unanimously, are less effective (or out of football completely) after the age of 30. Peterson, by the way, is 26, so presumably, he has almost another half-decade of productivity left.