The Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson could be on the way to a split in 2015, as the team may look at the trade or release of the running back after his suspension is over and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers likely would be interested and this comes as Mike Zimmer has said AP is welcome to return to the Vikings.
Peterson was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and after he appealed his suspension and lost, he can next apply for reinstatement in April. According to ESPN.com, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman have both been quoted as saying that they would welcome Peterson back and that they support the running back. Peterson played in only one game this season before being placed on the exempt list due to his legal case and after he reached a plea in that case, he was suspended by the league.
Peterson appealed his suspension and that was denied and after the whole process, Peterson said he considered retiring or changing sports. Peterson said in an interview with USA Today following his suspension that a "fresh start" could be best for the Vikings and for himself and that could play out when he returns. According to ESPN.com, Adam Schefter reports that at least six teams have done "background work" on Peterson and that means he will have some suitors if he is released.
Peterson is going to cost over $15 million on the cap next year and unless the two sides work out a new deal, it's likely that he will be gone in 2015. While the team knows how valuable Peterson is, he is getting closer to 30 and with that being the age that running backs start to break down, the Vikings could opt to cut loose. Schefter added that the Cowboys would be an option if Paterson gets released and that unless he takes a pay cut, it's likely he will be with another team next year. The running back position has been devalued in the NFL and with cheaper options like Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata on the roster with Teddy Bridgewater, the team could decide to move on.
While the two main men at the Vikings have expressed support for Peterson publically, it doesn't mean much right now, as he is suspended and can't return anyway. This could be very calculated by both Zimmer and Spielman and while they may be telling the truth when it comes to them wanting Peterson back, the meaning behind their words could have some other use. Fans likely will not be happy if Peterson and the team splits up and now the two have put themselves in the good guy corner of the argument, as the split could happen over a pay cut.
If Peterson refuses a pay cut, he will be looked at as somewhat of a bad guy and "unwilling" to rework his deal, while Zimmer and Spielman can fall back on their words of support. Peterson is one of the best running backs of all time and has played his entire career in Minnesota with the Vikings.
