The Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson could be headed for a split in the future, as the team may consider a trade this offseason if the two sides can't agree on a new contract and teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders could be potential landing spots and this comes after AP's agent refused a dinner invitation from the Vikings last week.
There have been numerous reports about where Peterson could end up, with ESPN reporting that the Arizona Cardinals are the top option over the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys were once considered the favorites to land Peterson, but after letting DeMarco Murray leave, the team signed Darren McFadden and may not try and make a deal now. According to ESPN.com, Peterson's agent Ben Dogra confirmed the news last week that he "declined an invitation" to meet with Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.
While that in itself doesn't mean Peterson will be traded, it isn't a good look for the team or for Peterson when looking at whether he will return to Minnesota or not. Earlier in the offseason there were reports that Peterson was not ready to return to the Vikings and that he was "still uneasy" about coming back. That all stemmed from how he was placed on the exempt list and after he said that he would play during the time that he would be dealing with his case in Texas.
The issues with Peterson could come down to money, as he has the highest cap hit among running backs with $15 million on his $12.75 million salary. The Vikings have been open about wanting Peterson back, but that could be about PR and the fans and they may want him to take a pay cut. The team, confirmed news that they would not be cutting him this offseason, meaning a trade is his only way out of Minnesota if he wants that.
According to ESPN.com, the Cardinals have been interested, but they feel his salary is a "non-starter" and likely would want him to restructure or to take a pay cut to acquire him. The team is willing to give up a "high draft" pick for Peterson, according to Peter King, but not at the heft price of Peterson's contract.
Peterson's future has been up in the air since last season when he was placed on the exempt list while working out his legal case and while he was later suspended, that suspension was overturned on appeal. Peterson is under contract with the Vikings for three more years and has over $40 million left on his deal and that is one reason why a trade could be difficult to work out.
According to ESPN.com, Peterson's agent declined dinner with the Vikings GM and that could set up another tough round of negotiations as the two sides try and work out a deal. Last season Peterson played in one game and rushed for 75 yards against the Rams before being moved to the exempt list. Peterson is now 30 and heading into the season he is coming off of two years of production with 22 touchdowns in 2012-13. Peterson rushed for 1266 yards in 2013 and had a career best 2097 yards in 2012.