The last remaining question mark in free agency surrounds the future of Adrian Peterson. There is so much speculation right now as to what the running back's future holds leaving a lot of people in a state of limbo. Currently under contract with the Minnesota Vikings, the team must decide whether to trade, release or retain Peterson while teams like the Dallas Cowboys should not be ruled out as potential landing spots.
Peterson has expressed concerns about returning to Minnesota following his suspension last season. ESPN.com reported his agent informed the Vikings that Peterson had no intentions of playing for the franchise again and wanted to be traded or released prior to the 2015 season beginning. The Vikings have been maintaining the idea that Peterson will be their starting running back next year, but is getting rid of him the better option?
NFL.com makes the case of Peterson to remain with the Vikings who are slowly looking like a team on the rise. A release means the Vikings get nothing in return after paying Peterson a great deal of money over the past three years. There is no trade market for a running back due $12.75 million in 2015. Peterson will also get the most money in 2015 by remaining in Minnesota.
There is belief that the Dallas Cowboys are still a potential suitor of Peterson, but only if he is released. The Cowboys will not trade for that contract nor would they give him a similar deal as a free agent. Peterson would have to accept a pay cut if he was so desperate to leave Minnesota.
The Cowboys lost the DeMarco Murray race and are left with Darren McFadden. Jerry Jones is really testing his theory that any running back can be successful in their offense. Does he believe that enough to draft a rookie as the potential starter? The Cowboys have been linked to Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordan and TJ Yeldon in the second round as they need a young back to take over the Murray throne. Peterson would be a solid option for the next few years, but he is an aging running back which would force the Cowboys to replace him in a few years. With the draft deep at the position this season, the Cowboys could simply just favor a rookie and wipe their hands of the Peterson drama.
