Adrian Peterson continues to suspended with pay while he awaits trial following charges of child abuse. The running back could have been traded at the mid-season deadline. Any team could have struck up a deal with the Minnesota Vikings and paid Peterson $691,117.64 (per ProFootballTalk.com) a week for the running back to be on their roster but not on their field. So with no interest right now in Peterson for the future, what happens if/when the running back can play again?
This is where Peterson's salary will come to haunt him. The running back is owed $12.75 million in 2015. That is nowhere near what the running back market is these days considering the average starting back is making about $2 million per season rather than $12. Not to mention Peterson is about to hit 30 which does not bode well for his return in the league regardless.
The trail for Peterson is set to begin in December. Peterson's 2014 season is over, but beyond remains a bit murky. One thing is certain, the Vikings have moved on from their franchise quarterback. Head coach Mike Zimmer made note that he was not sure if Peterson would return in 2014 or at all to the team.
"I don't know that that's not going to happen in 2014," Zimmer said, via ESPN.com. "Honestly, I want the best for Adrian, number one. Okay? But I also have to coach the guys that are here and go forward. If things get resolved and it's a good thing, then the more power to him. We will worry about that when the time comes."
If Peterson is cleared and removed off the exempt list, there will be a team that picks him up regardless. The Vikings will likely look to drop that $12 million salary considering they have some rebuilding to do on the roster, but there will be a team that will bring on the former MVP. The Dallas Cowboys will be considered the frontrunners for Peterson whether they have interest or not. Peterson has already been outspoken about his desire to play in Texas and has reportedly already talked to Jerry Jones about the idea. Dallas loses DeMarco Murray to free agency which means a roster spot is open.
Would the Houston Texans or Oakland Raiders make a move for Peterson? The Texans could eye the running back as an upgrade over Arian Foster considering he did come close to breaking the single-season rushing record. The Raiders will have moved on from Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. It is possible. The chances Peterson puts back on a Vikings uniform are slim to not ever going to happen, but he will play again in this league.
