The Minnesota Vikings may look at a trade with Adrian Peterson if they can't reach an agreement with the running back about the 2015 season and if that happens, the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders could be potential options to acquire him.
Peterson was on the exempt list last season before being suspended and this offseason his future in Minnesota has been up in the air. According to ESPN.com, Peterson's agent went public about the issues the team and the running back have been having, saying that it may not be in the "best interests" of his client to remain with the team. Earlier in the offseason sources told ESPN that Peterson was "uneasy about returning" to the Vikings after the way he was placed on the exempt list while dealing with his legal case.
Peterson had previously hoped to play while dealing with his legal issues, but he was quickly moved to the exempt list. Sources said Peterson felt the move was an "ambush" and that the Vikings pushed him aside instead of hearing him out at the time. The Vikings have been very open about wanting Peterson to return and they have said that they will not release him this offseason.
The issues between the two sides could have to do with money, as Peterson is making $12.75 million this season. Peterson is 30 and counts for $15 million on the salary cap and there is a chance that the Vikings may want him to take a pay cut. Peterson is one of the most productive backs in NFL history, but he may not want to come back and his agent Ben Dogra could be trying to generate trade interest.
The Cowboys and the Cardinals have been mentioned as possibly destinations, but both teams have expressed pause at taking on a big contract. Peterson still has three years and over $40 million left on his deal. The Adrian Peterson interest for the Cowboys likely went down after signing Darren McFadden to a deal, but there is a chance Jerry Jones could step up and make a move. According to Pro Football Talk, the Vikings have said they will not be releasing Peterson, which means his contract for 2015 will stay at $12.75 million in base salary unless he renegotiates the deal.
According to Mike Florio at PFT, the team is willing to give up a "high draft pick" for Peterson, but that the $45 million on his contract is an "absolute non-starter". Peterson played in one game last season before being placed on the exempt list while his legal case played out and after that, he was suspended indefinitely by Roger Goodell. The suspension was later overturned on appeal and now he is allowed to work out a trade or a new contract.
Peterson rushed for 1266 yards in 2013 and had 10 touchdowns and in the previous season he had over 2000 yards to set a career high and he scored 12 touchdowns. Peterson likely would be a good fit for the Cardinals offense, as they run a scheme that he has been in and they ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing last season and need a boost at RB.
