One of the biggest questions left to answer in free agency this offseason is what will happen to Adrian Peterson. The Minnesota Vikings and the running back continue to meet and yet nothing is happening. Both parties are remaining very tight lipped over what the future holds as speculation continues to run wild. With a trade to the Arizona Cardinals reportedly dead in the water and the Dallas Cowboys holding out hope for a deal, what will the Vikings do if Peterson indeed walks away?
According to ESPN, Peterson's agent says a return to Minnesota is out of the question. The Minnesota Vikings continue to state they plan on Peterson being in their future. ArizonaSports.com is reporting that Peterson wants a trade to the Cardinals who are still in the market for running back help. However, Peter King of Monday Morning Quarterback writes that the running back's contract is not coming the Cardinals intend to take on after they just got Larry Fitzgerald's deal under control. Most believe Peterson is good as gone from the Vikings, but his landing spot is becoming less and less certain each day. On the chance that he does exit, where does his replacement come from?
The Vikings' wide receiver group is set. The team acquired Mike Wallace to pair with Cordarrelle Patterson, Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright along with Kyle Rudolph at tight end. That should work well for Teddy Bridgewater. If Peterson is gone, the Vikings have Matt Asiata who just re-signed to a one-year contract and rising star Jerick McKinnon as potential starters. Regardless of the future of Peterson, the Vikings need younger bodies which could come from the NFL Draft.
Minnesota certainly would not waste a first-round draft pick on a running back, but could seek one in the early rounds according to several mock drafts. Many believe Todd Gurley is the best available, but that could force the Vikings to strike early as teams like the Dallas Cowboys like what they see from him. Melvin Gordon or TJ Yeldon could also be targets for the future and would develop nicely with Bridgewater in the backfield.
If the Vikings feel pressure to acquire someone in free agency, Pierre Thomas, Stevan Ridley and Knowshon Moreno are the best available at this time. All three backs would likely sign for cheap and are versatile enough to impact the offense. Although none of them are long-term options for Minnesota.