The Dallas Cowboys and Adrian Peterson were linked in some rumors this summer after a report from ESPN came out about the possibility of the Minnesota Vikings running back playing in Texas and while no details of a trade or future free agent deal were discussed, it added fuel to those flames about the chance that AP could get traded if the Vikings struggle again or DeMarco Murray is injured and this comes after the team signed Michael Sam as a free agent to the practice squad.
The Cowboys and Peterson were linked after a report came out from Outside the Lines and ESPN on a long profile of Jones that documented a phone call between the owner and the RB. According to the story, Jones was put on the phone with Peterson without knowing it was him and the two spoke about football and the possibility of Peterson one day playing with the Cowboys. Jones said he would try to make that happen and obviously after the story came out, both sides downplayed the issue and Peterson said he wanted to retire a Viking.
Either way, the story is now out there and even if Peterson says he wants to retire in Minnesota, the decision may not be up to him. Peterson is nearing that tough age of 30 for running backs and at his salary, the Vikings may not see the sense or the value in holding into a player for as much money as he is owed over the rest of his deal. Peterson rushed for over 2000 yards for the Vikings and made a big return from his ACL injury, but once he gets past 30, he likely will decline like most RBs do.
Peterson is owed $12 million this season and he has a $14 million cap number and next season he is a $15 million hit and will cost $3 million in dead money if he is cut. The trade could happen if the Vikings falter again, but more likely is a release following next season, as Peterson is owed $15 million, but there will be no dead money on the deal. Peterson is in the fourth season of a seven year extension and now as things get towards the end a big move could go down.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys have signed Michael Sam to their practice squad and this comes after Sam was released by the Rams and put on waivers. The Rams did not have room for Sam on their practice squad because of injuries at other positions and now he is with the Cowboys and he could have a string chance of playing this season. Sam fits the scheme for the Cowboys and they are very weak at the pass rusher position and he could end up playing a great deal for the team once he gets acclimated to the defense.
Jerry Jones did not take Johnny Manziel in the draft, but now he may have the chance to capitalize on another player, as Sam had one of the bestselling jerseys in the league. Jones now can market that and this is about football too and Sam could get his first chance to make it in the NFL and onto the field.