Adrian Peterson has been reinstated to the NFL and is now officially back with the Minnesota Vikings after being placed on the exempt list and this offseason and the team may consider a Peterson trade, as the running back is reportedly unhappy and if a trade happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins could be potential options.
Peterson is being reinstated ahead of the NFL draft and that could lead to some teams to change their plans if they want to try and make a trade. According to ESPN.com, Peterson received a letter from the commissioner and while he still has some off the field conditions to deal with, he will be reinstated to the NFL and the Vikings roster. Peterson reportedly is "uneasy" about going back to the Vikings and may want a trade out of Minnesota.
The team released a statement welcoming Peterson back and they have been consistent about wanting him to return for the 2015 season. The Vikings said earlier in the offseason that they do not plan on releasing Peterson and that means if he wants out, a trade will have to happen. According to Bleacher Report, Mike freeman writes that the Raiders are "right there" in the mix for Peterson and they could be the spot where he ultimately ends up.
Jason Cole at Bleacher Report has written that it's a "dream scenario" for Peterson to end up with the Cowboys, but the money situation may not work out. The Cowboys did clear over $11 million in salary cap space by working Tony Romo's contract, but that may not be enough to get the running back. The Cowboys have reported interest in Peterson, but with his $15 million cap hit and $12.75 million salary, they could be on the outside looking in.
The Cowboys let Demarco Murray leave for the Eagles and part of that was about money and his age, two things that would also be true with Peterson. The Vikings star is 30-years-old and has $44 million on his contract over the next three years and that could be tough to take on for the Cowboys. The Raiders on the other hand have the money to spend on the salary cap and that could make them a potential partner for the Vikings.
The team has added Trent Richardson and Roy Helu in free agency to in Latavius Murray, but Peterson is a better back than all three of those players. Last season the Raiders were one of the worst rushing teams in the league and adding Peterson could be a huge upgrade for the team. Derek Carr is coming into year two and the Raiders need as many weapons as they can get.
The Redskins and the Dolphins could be potential options, but the Cardinals, Cowboys and Raiders seem like the most likely options for Peterson. The Vikings likely will demand a first round pick or at least a second round pick for Peterson, as he is one of the top players in the league despite his age. Peterson played in one game last season and rushed for 75 yards against the Rams.
Also, let's not forget Jerry Jones speaking to Adrian Paterson last summer, as Outside the Lines reported the two spoke on the phone, with Jones saying: "Well, I understand, Adrian," Jones told Peterson during the call, according to ESPN. "I'd like that, too ... Well, I love your story. I love your daddy's story. I've always respected what you've been about. I've always been a fan of yours."