NFL teams
Ben Goessling, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Vikes have contacted Adrian Peterson

NFL, Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings have wasted little time taking advantage of the fact they're able to communicate with Adrian Peterson again.

Peterson, who was placed back on the commissioner's exempt list last Thursday after federal judge David Doty ordered the NFL to vacate his suspension, can once again talk directly with the Vikings.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Monday that the team has had "open dialogue" with Peterson since Thursday.

Spielman would not elaborate on the Vikings' conversations with Peterson, but said again the team wants him back next season.

"We are able to have communication now with Adrian," Spielman said. "We'll keep all those communications internal. I think it's been very clearly stated we want Adrian Peterson back. He's a unique talent, and he's under contract with us."

Peterson told ESPN last month he was "uneasy" about returning to the Vikings, adding he knew the team would not force him to stay in Minnesota if he decided he did not want to play there. Spielman would not comment on whether there is a rift between the star running back and the organization.

Now that Peterson is again on the exempt list and his suspension is effectively over, the Vikings can cut him or approach him about restructuring his contract at any time, and can trade him after March 10.

Asked if the change in Peterson's status helps give the Vikings more roster flexibility, Spielman said, "I'll just say it's beneficial that we're able to talk to him."

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