The Oakland Raiders have officially tossed their hat into the Adrian Peterson race, but the asking price might turn the team away from the running back. The Raiders are looking for as many offensive upgrades they can get this offseason, but the team has still yet to get a No. 1 wide receiver on the roster. With players like Amari Cooper and Kevin White a priority, is a trade for Peterson really unlikely?
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Raiders are interested in a trade for Peterson after the running back was reinstated into the NFL. The interest in Peterson comes after the Raiders failed to acquire DeMarco Murray in free agency and settled on signing Roy Helu and Trent Richardson instead. While Peterson would certainly be an upgrade from the running backs on the roster, the asking price might leave Oakland on the outside looking in.
ESPN's Adam Caplan is reporting the Vikings are requesting a first-round draft pick for Peterson considering the level of interest in him. That is certainly a steep price to pay for a running back reaching the wrong end of 30. Sure Peterson could be a true asset to Derek Carr entering his second year as the starting quarterback, but is Oakland's need for a top wide receiver greater than its need for a running back?
Most NFL mock drafts have the Raiders taking either Cooper or White with their No. 4 draft pick. As of now, the Raiders have a wide receiver rotation filled with players used to being in the No. 3 spot. No one is a top player. Andre Holmes and James Jones return alongside the newly acquired Michael Crabtree as the likely starters, but that is not enough for Carr to work with. Getting Cooper or White into that rotation gives the quarterback an athletic, speedy receiver to work with as both players are predicted to be stars in the league.
Head coach Jack Del Rio made it clear that getting playmakers in on offense is a priority this offseason. The Raiders barely addressed that in free agency as the draft is their chance to make a real difference. The team is getting linked to Vic Beasley and Dante Fowler as well, but Cooper or White are the smarter options.
