Darren McFadden has heard the rumors. He reads the newspapers. He is aware of what the "experts are saying." After the Dallas Cowboys let DeMarco Murray walk away to the Philadelphia Eagles, the signed McFadden which did not exactly please the fan base. However, after restructuring Tony Romo's contract, the Cowboys have the means to make the trade for Adrian Peterson. McFadden is aware of the option, but is not letting that hurt his confidence.
"Coming into it, that wasn't a question I asked," McFadden said, via the Dallas Morning News. "Once DeMarco Murray was released, I felt like it was an opportunity for me step in there and try to go in and get whatever carries I could. Whether they decide to sign Adrian Peterson wasn't going to make my decision change. It wouldn't surprise me at all. I'm a guy who has been in the league seven or eight years now. You know, a team doesn't just want to put their everything on a guy that is old, or something. I feel like they're going to take a running back and it's not going to be something that changes how I feel about the team or whatever. I'm a competitive guy. That's going to bring out the best in me."
McFadden certainly has cause for concern. Team owner Jerry Jones has voiced his confidence in McFadden, but the running back's stats say a different story. McFadden's tenure with the Oakland Raiders was not great, mauled by inconsistency and injuries and now the Cowboys are banking on the idea that a change of scenery and a better offensive line will help get him into motion. However, while McFadden might believe he is the starter, the move could be made for Peterson very sooner.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the money cleared with Romo's contract is the perfect match to trade for Peterson, a move that has been speculated about since the running back told Jones he wanted to retire a Dallas Cowboy. The Minnesota Vikings have done everything they can to make it clear Peterson is not leaving, but if offered the right price, they will deal.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Peterson is meeting with league officials to discuss his reinstatement. Peterson is still on the exempt list for the NFL and is eligible to be reinstated on April 15. The meeting is well ahead of schedule. If things go well, Dallas might strike.
If the Cowboys miss out on Peterson, they will turn to the draft for help. According to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr the Cowboys are eyeing Todd Gurley in the second round while also scouting TJ Yeldon and Melvin Gordon as potential options. Regardless, McFadden will have competition for the starting job. It just remains to be seen how Dallas acquires it.