The Dallas Cowboys are likely to target Adrian Peterson if he is released by the Minnesota Vikings in the future over a trade opportunity, as Jerry Jones has long been interested in Peterson, but with DeMarco Murray likely signing back as a free agent, the Cowboys will only be able to get the Minnesota Vikings star if he is not attached to his massive contract.
Peterson splitting with the Vikings is likely not close to happening, but in the future the team may part ways with the franchise star. According to ESPN.com, Peterson is awaiting a decision to his appeal for his indefinite suspension and if he is reinstated, he likely will play again this season. The Vikings reportedly are looking to part ways with Peterson in the future, but that was reported on over a month ago by Chris Mortensen at ESPN and could have changed by now.
For the Vikings that news about the possible split came before Peterson reached a plea agreement and was taken off the exempt list and clearly now the situation has changed a bit. Peterson is one of the best running backs in football, but he is getting up there in age and he admitted in a USA Today interview that perhaps a "fresh start" would be best for both the Vikings and the running back. Peterson is hoping to win his appeal, but the NFLPA does not think it will happen and that could lead to other issues down the road.
Peterson obviously wants to play football and if he ends up suspended until next April -which is when he can apply for reinstatement-the Vikings may feel that moving on is the best move. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Ravens, Giants and 49ers could be interested in Peterson, while the Cowboys will also continue to come up. Signing Peterson will not be an issue if he is released, as he will be a free agent and off of the massive contract he currently has.
That has been the biggest issue for the Cowboys even if they want to think about Peterson and if he is released next year, they could look at bringing him in. DeMarco Murray is having a very good season and may win MVP, but he also is heading into free agency and will be looking to get paid a large contract. The Cowboys will have to be smart, as they have the huge Tony Romo contract to deal with as well.
Peterson rushed for 2000 yards a few years ago and while he may not do that again for the rest of his career, he still has the chance to be a productive player. This is a different situation than Ray Rice, as Peterson has not shown the decline that Rice has over the past year and that should keep him employed. The Vikings have two young backs that they like and with Teddy Bridgewater coming in the offense has completely changed. Peterson spent this season on the exempt list before his suspension and not it's likely he will have to wait until next season at the earliest to get back on the field.
