Adrian Peterson appears set to return to the Minnesota Vikings this season over a trade to the Dallas Cowboys and with training camp and offseason workouts on the horizon, Peterson's agent could push his client to pull a holdout to get a new contract with more guaranteed money and if that happens, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata likely will split carries in OTAs.
Peterson's future with the Vikings was uncertain for most of the offseason, but the team was consistent in saying they wanted him back. The Cowboys appeared to be an option, but they did not want to give up high draft picks coming into the draft this year. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, head coach Mike Zimmer said he does not think there will be any issues with Peterson, while the Minneapolis Star-Tribune adds that if he does hold out for a new contract, it will not be "deep into training camp."
The Cowboys could look at making a last ditch effort for Peterson, but at this point a move is unlikely. Jerry Jones said to Fox Sports that he would consider trading a 2016 first round pick if "the right situation" came along. Jones said that with Tony Romo getting older and the team in strong position, they could consider making a move for a running back. Peterson, Doug Martin and Matt Forte have been mentioned as possible options by Ian Rapoport at NFL.com if the Cowboys made a move.
Peterson is coming into the season after missing all but one game in 2014 while being on the commissioners exempt list. According to Pro Football Talk, the Peterson situation with the NFL and NFLPA regarding his suspension and appeal is not quite over, as the union has filed a motion to hold the league and commissioner Roger Goodell in contempt for how they acted after his suspension was overturned on appeal.
All of that likely will not affect what happens with the Vikings, but the whole situation did not leave Peterson feeling good about his situation in Minnesota. According to ESPN.com, Peterson was unsure if he wanted to return to Minnesota after the way he was pushed to the exempt list last season, as he wanted to play while dealing with his legal case. Now it looks like Peterson will be back, but it may not be as simple as showing up for offseason workouts, as his agent has hinted at wanting a new contract.
According to USA Today, Ben Dogra praised the Vikings for following through on their public stance of not wanting to trade Peterson, but he is asking for a "commitment" from the team now, which could mean more guaranteed money. Earlier in the offseason Dogra's rhetoric was much more pointed, with him saying that it may not be in his clients "best interests" to stay in Minnesota.
Peterson has been as productive as anyone in the league over his career, but at 29 years old he could be on his way to some decreased numbers. Teams may not want to pay that much for Peterson and that puts the Vikings in a tough spot if they want to move him. The Vikings have been very open about wanting to keep Peterson and according to ESPN.com, the team's front office met with Peterson last week to discuss his possible return to the team.