The Minnesota Vikings want Adrian Peterson back for the 2015 season, but there is a chance the team could trade the running back if he doesn't want to return and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers could be interested in making a deal.
Head coach Mike Zimmer said at the owners meetings this week that he expects Peterson to be with the team in 2015. According to ESPN.com, Zimmer said that the team has "no plans" to trade Peterson and this comes after Peterson's agent said earlier in the week that it may not be in his clients "best interests" to stay in Minnesota moving forward.
Peterson is still on the exempt list and has not been officially reinstated, but he is allowed to talk with the Vikings about his contract or a trade. Peterson's suspension was overturned on appeal and ESPN reports that Roger Goodell will look at mid-April as a time when Peterson could get reinstated. Earlier in the offseason sources said to ESPN that Peterson felt "ambushed" by the team after the way he was placed on the exempt list last season while dealing with his abuse case in Texas.
Peterson had hoped to play while dealing with his case, but instead he played in one game and missed the rest of the season. According to Pro Football Talk, the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals are potential landing spots for Peterson, but his contract could be an issue in making a deal. Peterson is set to get paid $12.75 million this season and counts for $15 million on the cap, which is the highest of any running back in the league.
Dogra reportedly declined an invitation to meet with the Vikings last week and ESPN.com reports that there has been "no resolution" yet about 2015. Zimmer is confident that Peterson will be with the Vikings and this offseason the front office and the owners have been public about wanting him back. The Vikings appear to have the leverage for now, as they have said they are not planning to release Peterson this offseason.
If Peterson does not want to play for the Vikings this season he could try and force a trade, but his contract could make that difficult. The Arizona Cardinals reportedly were willing to give up a "high draft pick" for Peterson, but were not willing to take on his contract without a restructure. Peterson is owed over $40 million over the next three seasons and that makes it tough for teams like the Cardinals or Cowboys to fit it on the salary cap.
The Vikings used a combination of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata with Peterson out and Zimmer is hoping that he returns. Last season Teddy Bridgewater had a strong rookie season and he is hoping to continue on that track with offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Peterson may have to change his style a bit in this offense, but he is a hall of fame player and has put up strong numbers in his last two full seasons. Peterson is 30 years old and while most backs start to break down at that age, Peterson has been productive heading into it.
