The Minnesota Vikings may look at the trade or release of Adrian Peterson this year once he is reinstated after his suspension, as the running back has a high cap number and if he moves on in 2015, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins could be interested in acquiring him.
Peterson has said that he wants to return to the Vikings and both head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman have echoed that sentiment. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, while Peterson does want to return, it is "no lock" that he plays for the Vikings in 2015. The team has a solid cap situation right now, but Peterson is worth over $15 million and that is the highest among players at his position.
Peterson is going through counseling and can officially be reinstated when he applies on April 15. The Vikings have time to make decisions and if he is released, Peterson will be a top target for teams. Marshawn Lynch could be moved or released by the Seahawks, while DeMarco Murray is the top free agent right now. The Dallas Cowboys have been mentioned by Adam Schefter as a potential option, while the Raiders and Patriots also could be in the mix.
Peterson is in an interesting situation, as he has been very productive at his age and while other backs have faltered around this time, he is still going strong. Having a year off likely will take some of his shine off at least to start, but after putting up another strong season in 2013, he should bounce back. Peterson played in one game last season and he will be 30 this year and that is when most backs start to break down. But Peterson is not most backs and just like when he had his ACL surgery, he likely will challenge to come back hard.
Peterson rushed for 2097 yards the season after tearing his ACL and he played in all 16 games that year while scoring 12 touchdowns. Peterson followed that up with 1266 yards the next season with 10 touchdowns before last season when he had one game with 75 yards before being placed on the exempt list. Peterson is one of the best backs off all time, but he could end up changing teams this year if the Vikings can't get him to take a pay cut, as he has a high salary cap number.
Peterson has been as consistent as anyone in his career and he has had seven straight seasons (before last year's issues) and in that time he was only less than 1000 yards once. That season Peterson was injured at the end of the year and finished with 973 yards, so yeah, he basically had it. Point being, Peterson is as determined as any player in the NFL and no matter where he ends up, he should be productive. Peterson has his future up in the air for now, but if he agrees to a pay cut the Vikings obviously will look at keeping him. The team has Jerick McKinnon on the roster and he would be the starter if Peterson goes.
