The Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson could be headed for a split this offseason and if a trade happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins could be potential landing spots for Peterson in 2015.
Peterson had his suspension overturned this offseason on appeal, but he has not yet been officially reinstated to the league by Roger Goodell. Peterson can talk about his contract status with the Vikings and so far this offseason the team has been public about wanting Peterson to return for the 2015 season. According to ESPN.com, Peterson's agent Ben Dogra said that it may not be in the best interest of his client to remain in Minnesota and some have speculated that could signal a dispute is coming.
Earlier this offseason Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman said that the team wanted Peterson back for the 2015 season. Dogra declined a meeting with Spielman last week and there is a chance the two sides could be talking about Peterson's contract. Peterson and the Vikings have not been able to agree yet on what the future holds for the running back and there is a chance he could try and force a trade. Last season Peterson played in just one game and rushed for 75 yards against the Rams.
During this offseason, ESPN.com reported that sources said Peterson was "uneasy" about returning to the Vikings after the way he was placed on the exempt list last season. Peterson said he felt "ambushed" and that he had been planning on playing while dealing with his legal case in Texas. The news with Peterson was fresh off the situation with Ray Rice and once some sponsors started pulling out of things, the Vikings worked with the NFL to put Peterson on the exempt list.
Pro Football Talk reported that the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys were the top destinations for Peterson, but that was earlier in the offseason and those teams may not be as motivated with the NFL draft close. The Raiders and Lions could also be in the mix, while the Redskins are another potential landing spot. The Cardinals reportedly were willing to give up a "high draft pick" for Peterson, but did not want to take on a $40 million contract.
The Cowboys looked like an option after DeMarco Murray left for the Eagles, but the team signed Darren McFadden and may look to the draft for more depth on the cheap. The issues with Peterson and the Vikings could come down to his contract and his high cap number could make it hard for teams to acquire him.
The Vikings have said publicly that they do not plan on releasing Peterson this offseason, which means they expect him to honor his contract or will trade him. Peterson is set to make $12.75 million in salary and has a cap hit near $15 million for 2015. Peterson is the highest cap hit for any running back in the league and if he wants to go to the Cowboys, there is a good chance that he will need to take a pay cut. The Cowboys did not sign DeMarco Murray and they have a right cap situation as it is heading into the draft.
