The Minnesota Vikings may look at the release or trade of Adrian Peterson in the future after his suspension ends in 2015 and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers could be options for the running back.
The Vikings had hoped that Peterson would be reinstated this season after appealing his suspension, but his appeal was denied and now he has to apply for reinstatement. Earlier in the season, Chris Mortensen at ESPN.com reported that the Vikings were likely "done" with Peterson and that they would work out a trade or release him once his legal issues were resolved. But that was before his plea deal and following that along with his appeal, sources said to ESPN that Peterson would be welcomed back to the team.
Peterson has been compared to Ray Rice a bit because of what has been going on in the NFL this year, but performance wise, the two could not be more different and that is why Peterson is likely to find work if the Vikings move on. Peterson has continued to play at a high level at his age, while Rice is younger and has started to look like he is washed up a bit. Rice had a terrible season last year and had to sit out this season, while Peterson went for over 1000 yards again last year before playing in one game this year.
Peterson spoke in an interview with USA Today and said that it could be best for both sides to get a fresh start, but for that to happen he will have to be reinstated. The league announced that Peterson can apply back in April of 2015 and after his appeal was denied, it will be interesting to see how that goes. If Peterson is released, teams will be much more likely to sign him, as he has a massive contract and will be hard to trade. The Cowboys have been considered an option and if he is released, he could fit much easier on the cap alongside DeMarco Murray, who is expected to get a new deal.
The Patriots often look at veteran running backs and he could be an option like Corey Dillon was years ago. The Miami Dolphins lost Knowshon Moreno this year and he was signed to a one year deal, while the Buffalo Bills may lose CJ Spiller and could be a fit. The Cleveland Browns ditched Ben Tate, while the Oakland Raiders did not get much out of Maurice Jones-Drew or Darren McFadden this season. Peterson rushed for over 2000 yards a short time ago and is considered to be one of the best backs in football.
Jerry Jones and Peterson spoke on the phone over the summer and Outside the Lines reported the two talked about possibly linking up in the future. Peterson is from Texas and while the Cowboys can't handle a trade with his contract, they will be a strong option come 2015 if Peterson is released. The Vikings have Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon and those two have been solid this season coming in for AP and they have handled the new offense from Norv Turner well and that could help lead to a split.
