The Minnesota Vikings may look at an Adrian Peterson trade or his release in 2015 after he is reinstated following his suspension and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and 49ers could be interested, as DeMarco Murray is also hitting the market for Jerry Jones and he could sign elsewhere for big money.
Peterson ended up playing in just one game this season after dealing with some legal issues off the field related to a child abuse case and now the earliest he will be reinstated is April of 2015. According to ESPN.com, head coach Mike Zimmer said that he supports Peterson and that he would be open to him coming back to the Vikings this coming season. Peterson will have to apply for reinstatement and while he likely will get it, nothing is certain until it happens.
Peterson was suspended indefinitely following his plea agreement in the court case regarding his son and after that he appealed the decision. Many felt the decision would be upheld and it was and after that, Peterson spoke with USA Today about his future. Peterson said that he considered returning and that he did not know what will happen with the Vikings next season. Peterson admitted that he would like to come back, but also said that it might be best for both sides to have a "fresh start".
Earlier in the season, reports from ESPN.com and other outlets had the Vikings looking to move on from Peterson and while that could still happen, there is a chance he may return. Peterson has a high salary coming next year and that is one of the main reasons why the Vikings could look to make a move. Peterson has $12.75 million in base salary coming and his cap number is even higher and with his age at 29 and nearing 30, it could be time for the Vikings to cut loose.
Peterson is not Ray Rice, as in he still has plenty in the tank, but for what he will cost the team and the changes they have undergone on offense, staying together may not make sense. Teddy Bridgewater proved to be the real deal and with Norv Turner running things without Peterson, the team changed the offense, using different sets and shotgun way more than Peterson ever has. Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata played well and while they are not the talent of Peterson, the team may feel keeping the cheaper options is a better idea for now.
Peterson has been one of the most productive backs in NFL history and he comes in after rushing for at least 1200 yards in every season of his career that was not cut short by an injury or other issue. Peterson had 2000 yards a couple years ago after his ACL injury and he had 1266 yards in 2013 for the Vikings.
Last year, way before all of this came to light, longtime NFL reporter Mike Freeman wrote about the future of Peterson and he speculated that a number of things could lead to him and the Vikings splitting up. Freeman cited his salary and the fact that he will likely slow down as he gets older and with the Vikings in a slight rebuild, they may cut ties with Peterson.