Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson remains suspended and will be out for the 2014 season and while Mike Zimmer is confident that AP will return to the Vikings, the team may release or trade the RB in the future and if so, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, NY Giants and Baltimore Ravens all could be possible landing spots.
Peterson has been out since after the first week of the season after being placed on the exempt list and following his plea deal in his child abuse case, he was suspended by the league. According to ESPN.com, Peterson did an interview with USA Today and he said that he hopes to come back to the team, but that he also could see a "fresh start" with another team in the future. Peterson is considered to be one of the best backs in the league, but he is getting up there in age and his large contract could be an issue for the Vikings.
The contract takes up a chunk of cap space and as Peterson ages and likely regresses, it could be herded to justify keeping that amount. This season Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata have emerged with Peterson out and that could also compel the team to make a move. According to ESPN.com reporter Ben Goessling, two options that make sense if Peterson is released (or traded, but that's unlikely) include the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys. Both teams have contract issues with their current starting running backs and even if those players to return, Peterson could be a possibility if he is released and becomes a free agent.
The Seahawks have Marshawn Lynch and reports from ESPN and other outlets have the team likely splitting ways with the back after this season. The team doesn't want to pay Lynch a high salary and after a contract holdout and other distractions from this season, they may feel it's time to move on. The team has Christine Michael and Robert Turbin behind Lynch, but if they get the chance to sign Peterson as a free agent, it could be a move both sides look at making.
The Cowboys have been the team mentioned the most in connection with Peterson, as Jerry Jones loves star players and there also was an OTL story detailing a past phone conversation between the two. That conversation occurred before the child abuse case, but now that it is in the past, Jones could overlook that. DeMarco Murray and his contract situation have bearing on this, as he is headed for free agency and could command a huge deal after the season he has had.
Even if the Cowboys keep Murray, they could look at signing Peterson if he is released by the Vikings. A trade likely would be too complicated with all the money on Peterson's deal. The Cowboys likely will keep Murray on a new deal, but the team will be mentioned if Peterson is released by the Vikings. Peterson had 75 yards on 21 carries in one game this season and he came in after another 1200 yard season in 2013. Peterson will be a hot commodity if he is released by the Vikings and a number of teams could be interested in his services.
