Adrian Peterson is hoping to get a fresh start. As he begins to fight his season-long suspension from the NFL, the running back understands that a return to the Minnesota Vikings is likely out of the question. The team has been content to remain relatively quiet during the entire investigation into the running back following child abuse charges and have made steps to replace him by signing Ben Tate for the rest of the year. As Peterson looks for a new team, are the Dallas Cowboys the frontrunners?
"I would love to go back and play in Minnesota to get a feel and just see if my family still feels comfortable there," Peterson said, via USA Today Sports. "But if there's word out that hey, they might release me, then so be it. I would feel good knowing that I've given everything I had in me."
Peterson and the NFL Players Association has officially filed an appeal on the ban as they cited the league was inconsistent in their disciplinary actions towards the running back. If denied, Peterson will not be eligible to get back into the league until April 15, 2015. Once that occurs, the Vikings will likely either seek a trade or release the running back. Minnesota was already rumored to be moving past Peterson and his big contract, now this situation makes it a priority. However, while the Cowboys have been rumored as the frontrunner, they might not be able afford Peterson.
Dallas has salary cap issues. Tony Romo is signed to a big deal. Dez Bryant wants a big deal. The wide receiver is the priority for the team as Bryant wants to be the highest-paid receiver in the league. Will Peterson be able to get the money he wants? According to LaDainian Tomlinson, Peterson signing to the Cowboys is a no-brainer, but only if the money is right.
"Here's the thing: at this time, I really think it all depends on the money," Tomlinson said, via the Dallas Morning News. "That's what it's all about. How much is Adrian Peterson going to demand if he comes to Dallas? Now remember, you still have to pay Dez Bryant. Tony Romo has already gotten paid. Tyron Smith has already gotten paid, the left tackle. So how much money is available for Adrian Peterson if he's able to come here? Now if Adrian is willing to take a pay cut to come here and you know you can't afford DeMarco Murray, then I think having Adrian Peterson here is a no-brainer because you're going to be able to get him at a cheaper price that what you're going to be able to get DeMarco Murray at."
Peterson must realize that they running back market is weak, a lot weaker than it was when he signed his original contract. If Peterson demands too much money, the number of teams that will likely take interest will be small.
