The future for Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson is still up in the air after his indefinite suspension and the team may look at his trade or release down the line and if that happens, the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens all could be fits, while the Cowboys could be interested to add depth behind DeMarco Murray if he is cut and becomes a free agent.
The Vikings are still awaiting word on Peterson's appeal and that has left his future with the team uncertain. According to ESPN.com, Chris Mortensen reported earlier in the season that the Vikings likely would move on from Peterson, but that came before his plea deal and suspension from the NFL. Peterson played in just one game this season before getting placed on the exempt list and now he is indefinitely suspended pending an appeal.
--UPDATE: Peterson has lost his appeal.
The Vikings realize that Peterson likely will not play this season even if he gets his appeal overturned, as things are taking a long time to get resolved and there are only three games left. Peterson has been off the field all season apart from Week 1 and while the team has been active in saying they would welcome Peterson back this season, at this late it makes little sense. The team has had Jerick McKinnon and Mat Asiata playing well in the offense with Peterson out and with McKinnon on IR now, Ben Tate has the chance to step up as well.
Peterson would need time to adjust back anyway and with the team out of the playoff race it makes little sense to bring him back now, even if he is reinstated. Chris Mortensen at ESPN.com reports that the team likely will not be getting back Peterson and that his future is still up in the air with the franchise. Even before all this there were rumors that the team could move on from Peterson eventually and now that could play out. Peterson is making a ton of money on his contract and as he gets to 30 he will be getting to the age when RBs start to break down.
The Cowboys have been considered an option after Jerry Jones showed interest in Peterson in a phone call over the summer, which was reported by Outside the Lines. A trade wouldn't work since he has such a big contract, but if Peterson is released, expect the Cowboys to make a move. The team is planning to sign DeMarco Murray back and adding Peterson to that mix could be big for the Cowboys. Other teams would be interested as well and if he is released, the Cowboys, Dolphins, Raiders, Ravens and Seahawks all could look at signing him.
Peterson has been one of the best backs in the NFL in his time with the Vikings and he comes in after rushing for 75 yards in his lone game this season. Last season he had 1266 yards and the previous year he had over 2000 yards. Peterson is one of the best RBs in the league and this is not a Ray Rice situation, as Peterson was not terrible last season like Rice was. While Peterson abused his child, in some ways people view what Rice did as a worse act since many see corporal punishment as acceptable in the US. Either way, the Vikings may make a move with Peterson after the season.