The Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson could be headed for a split this offseason and a trade is an option for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins and this comes as the running back is set to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about his status heading into the 2015 season.
Peterson is still technically on the exempt list and while he can talk to the Viking s about his contract, he has still not officially been reinstated by the league. Peterson was suspended indefinitely, but that was later overturned on appeal. Peterson remains on the exempt list and according to NFL.com, Peterson will meet with Goodell this week and that could set a date for him to be back on the official roster. The April 15 from earlier in the offseason could be an option for Goodell.
That April 15 date was originally his first chance for reinstatement, but that was set ahead of Peterson getting his suspension overturned. Either way, the situation with Peterson and the Vikings has been up in the air all offseason and now there could be some resolution. According to Pro Football Talk, Peterson will meet with the NFL to discuss his reinstatement and if all goes well, he could be back into the league officially after being on the exempt list since last season.
Earlier in the offseason sources reported to ESPN.com that Peterson was "uneasy" about going back to the Vikings after he was placed on the exempt list. Peterson reportedly said that it was an "ambush" by the team and the league with the way he was placed on the list and that he had hoped to play through his legal case in Texas. The Vikings have been public about wanting Peterson back for next season and head coach Mike Zimmer said that the team is not currently exploring any trades.
Peterson' agent said that it could be in the best interests of his client to not be in Minnesota this season and that could be the first signal that the RB wants a trade. The Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals have been mentioned as potential landing spots along with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. The Cowboys just cleared some space with the rework of Tony Romo's contract, but the team has already signed Darren McFadden.
Peter King at the MMQB wrote earlier that the Cardinals were interested in Peterson and that they would be willing to give up a high draft pick for him. King later reported that the Cardinals were out as long as Peterson's contract paid him over $40 million over the next three seasons. The team was wary of taking on such a big deal, which includes a $15 million cap hit this season on a $12.75 million salary.
Peterson is one of the most productive backs in NFL history and his future could finally get some clarity after his meeting with Goodell this week. The Vikings have Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata on the roster at RB and they started in place of Peterson last season.