ESPN's Michelle Steele learned Peterson will plead no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault.
Peterson would have faced jail time if the case had gone to trial on felony child abuse charges after he was accused of injuring one of his sons by hitting him with a switch. With this plea deal, Peterson will not face jail time and instead will likely to receive probation, a fine and community service.
The judge can elect not to accept this deal.
ABC-13 legal analyst Joel Androphy says a plea bargain could be helpful to Peterson for one reason and one reason only: to get him back on the football field.
"Adrian Peterson wants to be playing football, the fans want him to be playing football, the Vikings wants him to play football," said Androphy. "He would not cut a deal without approval from the Vikings and the NFL."
The NFL Players Association will likely defend his right to return immediately, but presently that power lies with Commissioner Roger Goodell.