Adrian Peterson: NFL contracts give teams too much leverage over players

The Minnesota Vikings, which began its 2015 organized team activities this week, have still not reached a contract resolution with reinstated running back Adrian Peterson, who said Thursday that NFL contracts give teams too much leverage over players. 

Petersonissued a statementWednesday that explained his absence from this week’s OTA as being unrelated to him demanding a trade from the team. 

"It’s business, not personal and I understand that firsthand," Peterson said. 

On Thursday, Peterson explained his frustration with what he characterized as the one-sided nature of contract proceedings. He implied several NFL players have not been paid money their contracts have stated they're owed.

Peterson believes the Vikings should pay him the $46 million left on the three years of his current contract. That money, however, is not currently guaranteed. If Peterson is actively a member of Minnesota's roster before the team's Sept. 14 season-opener against San Francisco, then his $12.75 million salary owed in 2015 will become guaranteed.

On Wednesday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Peterson has "really got two choices. He can either play for us or he can not play," connoting the team's leverage over Peterson. 

By skipping OTAs, which are voluntary, Peterson is forfeiting a $250,000 bonus in his contract. 

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Check out Peterson's tweets below:

- Will Green