The Minnesota Vikings may look at an Adrian Peterson trade down the line after the RBs legal issues are resolved and the Dallas Cowboys could be an option, as Jerry Jones has shown interest in Peterson, but this comes as DeMarco Murray is having an MVP season heading towards free agency and a possible contract extension and that could keep the team from making a move.
Peterson is still dealing with the legal system as his child abuse case moves through the courts and that also could have a major effect on his future. According to ESPN.com, the Vikings right now do not see a future with Peterson and Chris Mortenson reports that a split could be coming through a trade or his outright release once all the court issues are out of the way. On top of that, Mortensen reported last month that Peterson was in "denial" about his football future and that all could play into things.
The Cowboys are the team mentioned the most because of the Outside the Lines Story done on Jones this summer. In that story, the reporter writing it witnessed an exchange on the phone with Peterson and Jones that showed mutual interest between the two about Peterson possibly coming to Dallas one day. That of course was before all the news came out about Peterson and that could drastically change things from an interest standpoint.
The Vikings and the future of Peterson may not even get resolved this season anyway, as Mortenson also reported that Peterson could face a suspension even if he is acquitted in court. The league could look at suspending him for his conduct and that likely will keep him out for the rest of the season no matter what happens with his legal issues.
Andrew Brandt from the MMQB did a great job of laying out some reasons why the Cowboys may allow Murray to leave despite his MVP season, as he is getting some major wear and tear. With the league moving away from RBs in some offenses and the money for RBs going down over the years, the team may not want to give a huge contract for a player who will get worn into the ground all season. Obviously the Cowboys will look at signing Murray, but things may chance and that could open things up for a trade with a restructure of his deal, or a signing if Peterson gets released.
Mike Freeman wrote at the draft this past season that the Vikings and Peterson would likely split at some point down the line. Freeman added that it was due to the size of his contract and the value of running backs as they get older. Peterson has a massive cap hit coming up over the next few years and his deal runs through 2018. Peterson has been great for his entire career, but as things come to an end, the Vikings may want to move on. Peterson rushed for 2000 yards a couple years ago and after rushing for 1266 last season, he may finish with 75 yards in one game this season.