The Minnesota Vikings may consider an Adrian Peterson trade this offseason once the running back is reinstated to the NFL and if that happens, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars could be potential landing spots for the franchise star.
Peterson's future has been up in the air since last season and after meeting with the NFL last week, he should be reinstated to the Vikings roster before the month is over. According to ESPN.com, Peterson met with Roger Goodell about his status for the 2015 season last week and that was the first time the two had spoken since last fall. Peterson has been on the exempt list and also had his suspension overturned on appeal this offseason.
According to Pro Football Talk, ESPN spoke with Peterson and asked if he would be participating in the offseason program for the Vikings and the running back said, "we'll see." Peterson added that he has not yet been reinstated to the league, but according to CBS Sports, it's likely that Peterson is reinstated soon after meeting with Goodell. Peterson reportedly had wanted to play through his legal case last year and ESPN reported that he felt "ambushed" when he was placed on the exempt list.
ESPN also reported that sources said Peterson was "uneasy" about returning to Minnesota after the way things played out last season. Earlier in the offseason Peterson's agent went public and said that it may not be in the "best interests" of his client to remain in Minnesota and that could set things up for a showdown. Peterson has a high cap hit, but the Vikings have been consistent in saying they want him back for the 2015 season. The team also stated publicly that they were not planning on releasing Peterson this season.
Pro Football Talk reported earlier in the offseason that the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals were the most likely landing spots if Peterson was traded. Peter King wrote at the MMQB that the Cowboys and Cardinals remain options, but right now nothing is close to happening. Neither team wants to take on the salary and the draft compensation likely would be very high. ESPN analyst Mark Dominik said on the Network that it would likely take three draft picks, including a first round pick, to get Peterson from the Vikings.
According to reporter Jason Cole at Bleacher Report, Peterson's "dream scenario" is to end up with the Cowboys. Jerry Jones has previously expressed his admiration for Peterson and the running back is from Texas. The Cowboys signed Darren McFadden and while they just re-worked Tony Romo's contract to free up cap space, it may cost too much to trade for Peterson. The team has built a great offensive line through the draft and while Peterson is productive, he is 30-years-old and costs $40 million for the next three seasons.
Peterson rushed for over 2000 yards in 2012 and had 1266 yards in 2013 while scoring 22 touchdowns in those seasons. Peterson played in one game last year and rushed for 75 yards against the Rams before being placed on the exempt list.
