The future for the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson is still up in the air after the latest hearing for the running back and the trade or release of Peterson could happen in 2015 and if that goes down, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots could be interested and this comes as DeMarco Murray and Marshawn Lynch could be available this offseason.
Peterson comes in after playing just one game last year and he was later placed on the exempt list and suspended while dealing with his legal situation. According to ESPN.com, after Peterson's appeal to overturn his suspension was denied, he later came into a hearing in February to get the whole things overturned. While Peterson said he finally had a "fair" hearing, he did not win this one and now he officially can be reinstated the earliest on April 15.
Andrew Brandt at the MMQB wrote about why Peterson tried to get his suspension overturned and his reinstatement moved up, to a different date, saying it's all about leverage. The league year opens in March and that means teams can start trading and signing players. While Peterson may still end up staying with the Vikings, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune writes that it's "not a sure thing" he stays, as he has one of the highest cap hits in the league and the biggest at his position.
With all that in mind, Peterson likely was hoping to be in a situation where he could get himself to another team or get the Vikings to keep him without restricting his contract. With him having to wait until April 15, there is plenty that can happen during that time, including top players like DeMarco Murray or Marshawn Lynch moving to new teams -if Lynch is released. The Vikings have Jerick McKinnon coming back after a solid rookie season and with Peterson carrying a $15 million cap hit, he could be the way to go again in 2015.
Peterson is making a large salary and the Vikings could save $13 million by making a move and releasing him. According to ESPN.com, Peterson is hoping to stay without restructuring his deal, but also said earlier in the offseason that a "fresh start" could be best for the two sides. Peterson would have many suitors if he is released or traded, including the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. Peterson is 29, but he has still been one of the best running backs in football history and there is no doubt he could find a starting job elsewhere if Minnesota moves on.
The Cowboys have often been mentioned as an option since Peterson is from Texas and on top of that Jerry Jones has said he would like him to play for his team one day. The Cowboys have Murray hitting free agency and while they would like to keep him, it might be too much to sign him back along with Dez Bryant. The Cowboys and the Dolphins may have running back issues and Peterson could be a target along with Marshawn Lynch if he is released by the Seahawks, as the two sides are currently working on a new contract.