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NFL Trade Machine: The Adrian Peterson Race

By Erik Lambert

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Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during overtime against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

There hasn’t been much change regarding the situation between the Minnesota Vikings and running back Adrian Peterson.  They reportedly want him back on the field but he has no desire to play for them anymore.  Some of it may be money-related while others have hinted at sour feelings after his child abuse fiasco and how the team refused to support him.  True or not, the fact is Peterson is now eligible to play football again and it’s hard to imagine him not doing it somewhere in 2015.

The question is who will it be since most are convinced the only way he’s moving out is via an NFL trade.  So time to take a look at the primary suitors.

Dallas Cowboys

This is the team that Peterson has made clear he really wants to play for.  Certainly the Dallas Cowboys are right to have interest.  They lost DeMarco Murray to free agency and really have nobody on the roster to replace him.  Putting Peterson behind that outstanding offensive line would be practically cheating.  The big obstacle for them is price.  Dallas just doesn’t have the cap space at present to handle his $15.4 million hit with only $12.2 million in space.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Among the team rumored to be the most aggressive in the Peterson chase is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Their head coach Lovie Smith is about to add a rookie quarterback to the roster.  What better way to protect him than giving him a dominant ground attack.  Besides that, the two have a history going back to Smith’s days as head coach in Chicago.  Tampa has the money to handle the deal.  What matters is would Peterson accept playing there?

Oakland Raiders

Like the Bucs, the Oakland Raiders have a young quarterback still learning his way in Derek Carr.  They also have enough money to absorb the Peterson contract.  Hints have said they are very interested but aren’t a serious contender at present.  A big reason may be the lingering worry that the team is about to pick up and move out of Oakland to a new location, be that Los Angeles or another city.

The fact of the matter is money can be handled.  What will determine where Adrian Peterson goes is who will pay the price tag the Vikings set up for the NFL trade.  If it is indeed a 1st round pick, then in all likelihood Peterson isn’t going anywhere.

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