Adrian Peterson Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson played just one game last season. Reuters

It seems clear that Adrian Peterson wants to be traded, and he continues to signal that he no longer wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings. The running back will not report to the team’s optional workouts this week, according to ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling, and it reportedly has to do with Peterson’s desire to play elsewhere.

Even though the practices are optional, Peterson appears to be sending a message by not working out with the team. By staying home, the former NFL MVP could forfeit a $250,000 workout bonus, which he will only receive if he attends 90 percent of OTAs and minicamps.

Minnesota has been steadfast in their decision to keep Peterson, and it might be difficult to trade him even if they wanted to deal him for something of any value. There have been rumors that the Dallas Cowboys and Peterson have mutual interest, but the defending NFC East champions might be unwilling to pay what it would cost to acquire Peterson. He’s owed $44.25 million in base salary over the next three years, and the team recently failed to match a contract offer to DeMarco Murray worth $42 million over five years.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones is reportedly interested in acquiring the Texas native, but the Cowboys might be the only team that would seriously consider trading for the 30-year-old running back. There had been a report earlier in the offseason that the Arizona Cardinals were exploring the possibility of acquiring Peterson, but they would only add Peterson if he were released and would sign a cheaper contract.

Peterson’s relationship with the Vikings has devolved over the past year, after his arrest for child abuse forced him to miss 15 of the team’s 16 games. He reportedly felt Minnesota didn’t show him enough support, and he’s looking for a fresh start elsewhere.

But it doesn’t look like the Vikings are looking to get rid of their best player, and it’s possible that the two sides can repair their relationship. Even though Ben Dogra, Peterson’s agent, has asked that his client be dealt, Yahoo’s Charles Robinson reports that he’s been looking to rework Peterson’s deal with the Vikings.

Even though Peterson’s yearly salary is the highest of any running back in the league, he has no guaranteed money left on his contract. Minnesota has a mandatory minicamp from June 16-18, and he’ll start losing money that he’s owed if he doesn’t attend those practices.

Peterson was officially reinstated to the NFL on April 16. He only played one game in 2014, but he rushed for 1,266 yards in 14 games the previous season.