The Minnesota Vikings may trade or release Adrian Peterson after this season heading into 2015 with his suspension upheld and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers could be interested in the running back, as he is considered to be a productive player despite his age and his near year off from football.
Peterson and his future are very up in the air right now and he has spoken about retirement, lawsuits and other pursuits off the field if things don't work out in the NFL. ESPN.com and other media outlets reported about Peterson's appeal, which was denied by Harold Henderson, meaning his suspension until at least April 2015 will stand. Peterson said that further legal action could be coming and he explained in an interview that he felt he was being made an example of by the NFL after what happened with Ray Rice.
The Vikings reportedly would have taken Peterson back if he was reinstated for this season, but now that he is suspended until at least next year, their plans are unclear. ESPN.com reporter Chris Mortenson wrote earlier in the season that the Vikings were not looking at Peterson as an option in the future and that they likely would split from the running back after 2014. Peterson is signed to a big contract and it likely would be hard to move and while there is a chance they could release him, things are up in the air now that his suspension has been upheld.
Peterson played in one game for the Vikings this season before being placed on the exempt list and that came after his child abuse charges in Texas. Peterson later reached a plea deal with the court and later was suspended by the league and now he will serve at least until April of 2015 before being able to apply for reinstatement. Peterson is considered to be one of the best running backs in the NFL and this is a bit different than the Rice situation, as teams would likely be lining up to sign Peterson if he hits the market.
Last season Peterson played in 14 games and rushed for 1266 yards and 10 touchdowns, giving him at least 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns in all but one of his NFL seasons. The only year Peterson did not get over 1k yards was when he injured his knee and that year he came 27 yards short of reaching that mark while also scoring 12 touchdowns. Peterson returned the next season and rushed for over 2000 yards while winning the MVP award and now his future in the league and with the team is in question.
The Dallas Cowboys could be an option if Peterson is released, as Jerry Jones has spoken praise for Peterson in the past and he could compliment DeMarco Murray if he is re-signed. The Miami Dolphins will need to replace Knowshon Moreno after they signed him to a one year deal and lost him to an injury, while the Patriots could look at Peterson if he is on the market. The Raiders will likely be making some serious changes, while the Seahawks also could check in if Marshawn Lynch is let go.
