Adrian Peterson may have a future away from the Minnesota Vikings after his suspension is lifted and if he is released or a trade goes down, teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks could be interested, as the Cowboys have DeMarco Murray set to be a free agent and Jerry Jones could look to add AP if he leaves, while the Hawks have Marshawn Lynch on the cutting block.
Peterson is hopeful to play again this season and he is heading towards an appeal hearing for his indefinite suspension. According to ESPN.com, the union and Peterson feel that he was punished by being on the exempt list earlier in the season and now he is looking to get reinstated so that he can play right away. ESPN reports that the union wants NFL exec Troy Vincent to testify in the case, as he may have told Peterson that the exempt list would count as part of his punishment for what happened in the child abuse case that he reached a plea deal in.
The Cowboys would be an option if Peterson is released, as they are looking to sign back DeMarco Murray, but there is a chance he will bolt for another team. Even if he stays, Jerry Jones has shown interest in Peterson and if he is on the market he likely will sign him. The Cowboys know that Tony Romo is getting older and they will be looking to continue to rush the ball like they have this season.
Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has expressed support for Peterson and so have a number of players in the organization. While Zimmer says that Peterson will be welcomed back this season, it gives no indication about what the team has planned for the future. While it's likely plans are still up in the air, Chris Mortenson reported earlier in the season that Peterson likely would be gone next season no matter what the outcome of his appeal.
If Peterson is released, there will be many teams interested in his services, as they will not have to worry about his massive contract and cap hit. Peterson has been one of the most consistent running backs in the league in his career and that is why this is not a Ray Rice situation, as Peterson is an All-Pro and Rice already looks washed up. The Seahawks may take a look with their Marshawn Lynch issues, while the Browns got rid of Ben Tate and could look at adding a veteran to the mix with Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.
Peterson has been one of the best running backs in the league for years and he comes in after rushing for 1266 yards last season. While Peterson is getting to 30, he still has production value and while he may not rush for 2000 yards again, he should be a player that can get back into the mix quickly. This lost year likely means Peterson will never get the rushing record, but he likely will try for as long as he can to stay in the league, especially after the way 2014 went down.