The Dallas Cowboys are likely not going to trade for Adrian Peterson this offseason and heading into the draft the team is targeting running backs, as names like Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman, Melvin Gordon and Ameer Abdullah could be options for Jerry Jones over trading draft picks to the Minnesota Vikings for an aging star.
The Cowboys have been mentioned all offseason as a landing spot for Peterson, but it looks like a deal is not going to get done. According to ESPN.com, it's likely that the Minnesota Vikings will keep Peterson unless they get a deal that "blows them away" and right now it looks like no team will be stepping up with an offer like that. According to Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys value their draft picks and do not want to take on the hefty contract of Peterson after letting DeMarco Murray go.
Archer writes that the team is likely going to add a running back or two at some point in the draft and there is a chance it could be in the first round. Gurley emerged as an early target, but he has been moving up draft boards and it's unlikely that he is available by the time the Cowboys pick. Peter King at the MMQB writes that if Melvin Gordon is on the board when the Cowboys pick, he could be the selection for Jerry Jones.
The Cowboys have been very smart about the draft over the past few years and that is part of the season why the team allowed Murray to walk. The Cowboys have built a strong offensive line through the draft and they felt that was one of the reasons why Murray had such a good season. The team wanted to keep him, but Murray has had injuries in the past and he is getting to the age when some running backs break down.
The Cowboys added Darren McFadden to a group that has Joseph Randle at the top and that is why they are likely to add another back in the draft. The class of backs in this draft is a deep one and there is a good chance RBs are taken in the first round for the first time in a couple years. Gurley and Gordon are almost guaranteed to be first round picks, while Jay Ajayi and Abdullah also could sneak into the first round.
The Cowboys have met with Gurley and Gordon and they also have worked out Coleman, who set record at Indiana with over 2000 yards rushing last season. Coleman averaged over seven yards per carry last year, while Gurley was also very productive with over 900 yards in just six games. Gurley dealt with an ACL injury and suspension last year, but on his recent medical re-check for the combine, he was cleared for all football activities.
Peterson would have been a fun addition for the Cowboys, but his salary is simply too high to make things work, even after the team cleared space with Tony Romo's contract. Gordon is the likely target for the team, as Gurley should be off the board within the top 10 to 15 picks on Thursday night. Keep an eye on Ajayi and Jeremy Langford if the team misses on Gordon.