MINNEAPOLIS — Adrian Peterson thinks he’s the best running back in the game.
Now he’s getting paid like it, too.
Peterson agreed Saturday to a contract extension with the Vikings that includes US$36 million in guaranteed money and as much as $100 million over the next seven years if he plays that long with Minnesota.
The deal came five days after the Vikings locked up linebacker Chad Greenway to a lucrative long-term contract, the latest in a line of millions of dollars doled out to top players by owner Zygi Wilf since he and his family purchased the franchise in 2005.
Peterson has begun the final year of his rookie deal on a $10.72 million salary and was in prime position for a big pay day.
After setting the NFL’s single-game rushing record with 296 yards against San Diego in 2007, Peterson has been picked for the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons. He’s already second in Vikings history behind Robert Smith with 5,782 yards rushing for his career, and his 54 touchdowns over the last four years are the most in the league over that span.
“Adrian loves playing for the Minnesota Vikings,” his agent, Ben Dogra, told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “Deep inside he wanted to finish his career with the Minnesota Vikings.”
Already making major money this season, Peterson was in line for an even bigger salary in 2012 if the Vikings used their franchise tag to keep him from unrestricted free agency. He was content, then, to let the negotiations between Dogra and the Vikings work themselves out — and not protest any lack of progress.
Chris Johnson sat out for more than a month until the Tennessee Titans worked out a deal with their star running back that will pay him up to $56 million over the next six years, including $30 million guaranteed.
DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers recently got a contract worth as much as $43 million over the next five years with $21 million guaranteed.