The Minnesota Vikings could look at an Adrian Peterson trade or release this offseason once his suspension is done if the two sides can't agree on a pay cut and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots could be interested in acquiring the running back.
Peterson can officially come back on April 15 when he can apply for reinstatement and by then the Vikings may be ready to move on. Peterson has publically said he wants to return to the team and both head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman have expressed the same sentiments. But it may not be that simple, as the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that a "showdown could be looming" between Peterson and the team over his salary for next season.
Peterson has the highest cap number of any running back in the league at over $15 million and the Vikings may ask him to take a pay cut from his base salary. According to ESPN.com, Peterson may not want to take a pay cut and if that happens, he could get released or traded from the Vikings. Vikings owner/president Mark Wilf and COO Kevin Warren have also come out to say that they want Peterson back, but the team also has Jerick McKinnon ready to take over if he moves on. While the Vikings sentiments could be true about Peterson returning, the team also is thinking PR, as they have framed this already as that they are open to him coming back, but a pay cut could be part of that.
If Peterson leaves due to a money dispute after the way the Vikings have been welcoming him back with open arms, it will make him look more unreasonable to the fans, who likely will not be happy with that outcome. Peterson has the chance to return and that may very well happen, but if not, he will have plenty of suitors on the market. Jerry Jones has expressed his admiration for Peterson in public and if the Cowboys let DeMarco Murray go in free agency, he could be a perfect replacement with his star power.
The Raiders have a ton of money to spend and could woo him that way, while the Miami Dolphins and Patriots also could be interested. Adam Schefter at ESPN.com reports that at least six teams have done background work on Peterson and that means the Vikings have a huge decision to make once he returns. Peterson has been one of the most consistent running backs in the history of the NFL and he will be looking to prove himself next year no matter where he plays.
Peterson played in one game last season and rushed for 75 yards against the Rams and that came after another strong year with 1266 yards and 10 touchdowns. Peterson rushed for 2097 yards the year after tearing his ACL and he has scored at least 10 touchdowns in every season of his career. Peterson only has had less than 1000 yards once and that was his injury season and that year he still had 973 yards before going down and that was in just 12 games. Peterson will find work next year, whether it's in Minnesota or elsewhere.