Adrian Peterson has yet to be fully reinstated into the NFL, but all signs point to the running back getting clearance after the ruling from Judge David Doty. Peterson is allowed to begin having contact with the Minnesota Vikings which will help the team and the running back determine what his future looks like going forward. With rumors flying about what Peterson will do once allowed back in the league, several teams are clearing their name as a potential landing spot.
Prior to the ruling, ESPN reported that Peterson had no plans of returning to the Vikings for 2015, something that led to a reported altercation between his agent and team officials. The belief is that the running back will be traded from the Vikings as several teams could be options despite his large contract. The Indianapolis Colts are not one of them.
According to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts will not be striking a deal for Peterson in 2015. The team is dealing with the potential release of Trent Richardson after his failed tenure with the team. That would create even more cap space for the Colts as the team enters with some of the most space in the league. They would be fit to acquire Peterson's large contract, but reportedly have no interest. Holder believes the Colts will look to Frank Gore, Mark Ingram or CJ Spiller instead.
So where does Peterson land? The running back's father told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he believes the Dallas Cowboys or Arizona Cardinals could acquire the running back. Peterson has fresh legs after essentially missing an entire season of play, but his contract hurts the chances he gets traded. If the Vikings want to get rid of Peterson, they might have to simply release him in the offseason and save the cap space.
The Vikings have yet to confirm their intentions with Peterson. The franchise continues to maintain the stance that they want him back. Peterson is under contract which means he does not hold the power in the situation. Even if he does not want to play for the Vikings, that might be the end result. General manager Rich Spielman told the media that they are now constantly communicating with Peterson and intend to bring him back.
"We are able to have communication now with Adrian," Spielman said, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. "We'll keep all those communications internal. I don't want to sit here and give you guys a blow-by-blow every day. I think it's very clearly stated that we want Adrian Peterson back. There's no question about the talent and he's a unique talent and he's under contract with us."
