It is fare to believe that the Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for one more big move before the NFL Draft. With limited salary cap space, the team has lost more than they have gained in free agency including DeMarco Murray who might turn out to be the biggest blow. However, restructuring Tony Romo's contract has suddenly given the Cowboys money to spend and that is exactly what Jerry Jones plans to go.
According to Yahoo Sports, the restructuring of Romo's contract has paved the way for the highly speculated Adrian Peterson trade. This has been a move in the making for almost a year after ESPN reported Peterson called Jones to say he wants to play for the Cowboys, his hometown team. The only argument Dallas could make against it was that they simply did not have the money to make room for Peterson's contract. However, now with a little adjusting they do.
ProFootballTalk.com confirmed that Romo restructured his contract to free up $12.8 million in salary cap space. Too bad the team did not do it sooner or else they might have been able to retain Murray instead of letting him leave for the Philadelphia Eagles. Now Dallas has Darren McFadden and it simply is not enough to get by with.
So the question is what the Cowboys do with that money. Jones has made it clear that getting Dez Bryant signed to a long-term contract is not an absolute priority. The wide receiver was hoping to ink a long-term deal with the team this offseason, but instead was hit with the franchise tag. If the Cowboys use that money elsewhere, they can expect a lengthy holdout from Bryant who has not said much since the move was made.
However, Peterson would come in with a $12.75 base salary. According to Yahoo Sports, Peterson has made it clear he wants to retire with the Dallas Cowboys. The team could trade with the Minnesota Vikings and then restructure his contract to make the numbers work out. Of course the deal is a long shot. The Vikings would have to be willing to trade which is something they have publicly declined numerous times, but the path has been made and Jones will at least try and explore it.
If a deal for Peterson does not work out, the Cowboys could use that space to try and acquire Matt Forte. The Chicago Tribune believes the running back is available at the right price. He would be a solid addition for at least a season before his contract expires. ESPN's Todd McShay believes the Cowboys will draft early at the running back spot if Peterson is not traded. Todd Gurley and TJ Yeldon would be the best fits behind Romo.
