The Dallas Cowboys are an option for the Adrian Peterson trade if the Vikings go through with the team, but if that doesn't happen, the team likely will target players like Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman, TJ Yeldon and Melvin Gordon in the draft and this comes as Jerry Jones also has to deal with a contract for Dez Bryant, as he has been hit with the franchise tag.
The Cowboys let DeMarco Murray leave in the offseason and after signing Darren McFadden, they remain a target for the Peterson trade. According to Pro Football Talk, the Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals are the most likely destinations if Peterson gets traded, but at this point no deal is close. Peterson met with Roger Goodell this week about his reinstatement and once that happens, the Vikings and Peterson could start taking seriously about 2015.
The Cowboys reworked the contract of Tony Romo to free up cap space, but it might be enough to take on Peterson's deal without it being restructured. The Cowboys have been in the mix for a while on Peterson, but they have responded to losing Murray already by signing McFadden. The team feels that McFadden can be a productive back alongside Joseph Randle and whoever else they add before the season starts. According to Todd Archer at ESPN.com, the team will likely draft a running back whether they get Peterson or not.
The Cowboys have been a smart team in the draft over the past few years, which is one reason why the offensive line has become so strong. The unit is one of the best in football and that was one reason why the team felt comfortable allowing Murray to leave. While Murray had his best season in the NFL, the cowboys felt a large part of his success was the offensive line. With a strong draft class of running backs this year, the team likely will target one in the mid to late rounds.
The Cowboys are meeting with Tevin Coleman and according to the Dallas Morning News, the team is also meeting with other running backs before the draft. The team has set up visits with players like Todd Gurley, TJ Yeldon, Melvin Gordon and Jay Ajayi and they are also looking at defensive players, including Shaq Thompson. The Cowboys are looking to add depth at running back and this year there is a deep class of players to pick from.
Dez Bryant has been tagged this offseason and the team has until mid-July to work out a deal with him. According to ESPN Dallas, Bryant likely will skip the offseason program after being franchise tagged, as he was not pleased about not getting a long term contract done. The Cowboys may want Bryant to sign the franchise tag and delay signing a long term deal for another year, but that is the line Jones will have to deal with. Bryant may hold out, but it's likely he signs the tender eventually if the Cowboys do not want to work out a long term deal this year.
