Ben Goessling, ESPN Staff WriterMar 16, 2017, 11:48 AM ET
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- Previously covered Vikings for St. Paul Pioneer Press
- Also covered Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild and Washington Nationals
- Twin Cities native and University of Minnesota graduate
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MINNEAPOLIS -- The man who could be replacing Adrian Peterson in Minnesota also wears No. 28. He made it clear Thursday morning he won't be doing that with the Vikings.

Running back Latavius Murray posted an Instagram picture of himself and Peterson at the Pro Bowl after the 2015 season, along with a message indicating he would switch numbers in Minnesota.

There wasn't a thought in my mind to try and wear or ask for the #28. I have too much respect for AP and so much respect for what he's done and what he means to this organization. Many people don't know, but I wore the #28 as a kid because of Fred Taylor who played for the Jaguars at the time. When AP came onto the scene and Fred retired, he was my reason for keeping #28. I want to say to Vikings fans: I'm not here to replace #28, he's irreplaceable. I'm not here to be #28, there's no one like him. I ask that you accept me for the player I am and know that I'm here to give you all I got and to win #skol

A post shared by Latavius Murray (@lataviusmurray) on Mar 16, 2017 at 8:05am PDT

Peterson, when informed of Murray's gesture, told ESPN's Josina Anderson via text message: "That's what's up. #AllLove."

Murray's deal is for $15 million over three years, with $3.4 million guaranteed at signing, according to a league source. The running back can get $5.15 million more in guaranteed money if he's on the roster by the third day of the 2018 league year.

The Vikings, after meeting with Eddie Lacy during the weekend, signed Murray at the end of a two-day free-agent visit. Murray, who scored 12 rushing touchdowns for the Oakland Raiders last season, went to the Pro Bowl after running for 1,066 yards on 266 carries, while catching 41 passes for 232 yards in 2015.