When it comes to Jerry Jones, never say never. The Dallas Cowboys owner likes star power and will consider every free agency option in order to improve the team regardless of their financial limitations. So does that mean Adrian Peterson is still an option for the team after the departure of DeMarco Murray and the contract to Darren McFadden? The Minnesota Vikings running back has to be officially ruled out as an option.
There is still a big question mark regarding Peterson and his future with the Vikings. One day it is reported that Peterson is ready to return to Minnesota and the next they are saying he wants out of the Vikings as fast as possible. One thing is certain, more teams are coming out saying they are not interested rather than saying they are interested in acquiring the former NFL MVP.
After it was reported that Peterson's first choice was a trade to the Arizona Cardinals, Peter King of Monday Morning Quarterback is reporting that the franchise is not interested in the running back at his current value. King writes that there is no way the Cardinals acquire Peterson at his current numbers as the running back has three years and $45 million left on his contract. The Cardinals would make a move if Peterson was released, but that remains to be seen.
So are the Cowboys still interested? Dallas made the move to sign McFadden to a contract after losing Murray to the Philadelphia Eagles. That is not exactly a deal that gets the fans excited. While the Dallas Morning News believes the Cowboys will target a running back in the draft, Peterson could still be a real option for the team depending on what happens with the Vikings.
According to the New York Post, Jones still likes what he sees with Peterson and could make a move if Minnesota releases the running back. Peterson would have to take a pay cut from his $12.75 million salary in 2015, but the Cowboys would still be very interested regardless of McFadden. Peterson would certainly be a huge upgrade over the often-injured McFadden.
Jones is operating under the belief that any running back can succeed behind the offensive line of the Cowboys. He will be forced to find out just how true that statement is if he intends on depending on McFadden. Getting Peterson could give the offensive a little wiggle room in 2015.
