The curious case of Adrian Peterson continues as the running back is potentially one day away from reinstatement. While Peterson is seeking a change of scenery, the Minnesota Vikings are ready for the veteran to return as a starting running back. After hinting at a holdout once back in the NFL, will the Vikings be simply forced to trade Peterson and hope to get something good in return?
ESPN's Bill Polian is reporting that Peterson's agent is trying to control trade discussions which could mean not trade gets done at all. Agent Ben Dogra has been very involved in Peterson's future since reinstatement was all-but guaranteed. There have been reports that he is clashing with the Vikings front office in trying to get Peterson moved quickly and is it causing unnecessary tension.
Peterson told ESPN that he wants a change of scenery and while he appreciates the support the Vikings have shown him through this roller coaster year, He wants to head somewhere else. The issue is that no team really wants to take on the high-priced contract which still has three years left on it including $12.5 million for 2015.
The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the Cowboys have cleared enough cap space to take on the contract of Peterson, but they are not totally ready to make the commitment. The team must replace DeMarco Murray. Despite his confidence, Darren McFadden is not enough. However, the Morning News writes that the Cowboys are also not aiming to give up a lot of draft picks in order to get Peterson on the roster. They will explore a trade and figure out if it is possible to make a deal, but if not the Cowboys have no issue walking away and drafting a running back.
According to Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.com, the Cowboys are potentially eyeing a trade up in the draft in order to select Wisconsin standout Melvin Gordon. Dallas makes their first pick at No. 27 and both Gordon and Todd Gurley could easily be gone by then. Trent Richardson was the last running back to be selected in the first round of the draft, but both Gordon and Gurley are considered homerun picks and worth a first-round look. Dallas could be reading the hype.
The Cowboys have brought in all of the top prospects in for pre-draft visits. They are expected to take someone in the first two rounds. If Peterson is not traded, that spare cap space could go to someone like Dez Bryant who is waiting for a new contract.
