The Minnesota Vikings have numerous questions heading into the offseason with Adrian Peterson, but they also could look at the release of Greg Jennings and if that happens, players like Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, Michael Crabtree and Cecil Shorts could be targets, while Reggie Bush, DeAngelo Williams and Mark Ingram could be in the mix if Peterson is traded.
Peterson has now been reinstated by a judge after he overturned the NFL decision on appeal and now Peterson can be traded or released by the Vikings. Pro Football Talk reports that the judge ruled that Peterson could not be punished under the new system after he resolved his issues before it was implemented.
The decision is a blow to the NFL and now the Vikings may look at settling things with a new contract, trade or release to get the Peterson drama over with. The Vikings may look at players like Reggie Bush, DeAngelo Williams or Mark Ingram as options for depth if the team gets rid of Peterson. Peterson will have suitors, including the Cowboys and Redskins if he is traded or released.
The Vikings are coming into the offseason looking to build around Teddy Bridgewater and he could use some more support on offense. Last year Cordarrelle Patterson took a step back and while Jairus Wright stepped up, the team needs more deep threats and consistent targets. The team has never fully replaced Percy Harvin and they could now look to the free agent market to make some moves. The Vikings like Bridgewater and they also have a talented young RB in Jerick McKinnon.
According to ESPN.com, Jennings is a likely candidate to get released, as he will be making nearly $9 million for the 2015 season and he counts for over $10 million on the cap. Jennings
The Vikings could look at the free agent market, while names like Kevin White and DeVante Parker are also potential targets in the draft. Maclin is coming off of a career season and could price out of Philly, while Randall Cobb and Torrey Smith are also potential options on the market.
The Vikings are projected to have about $20 million in cap space and they could clear some more if they release Jennings and other veterans. The team also could clear space depending on what happens with Peterson. The running back is making over $12 million and has a $15 million cap hit for the Vikings and that could eventually lead to his trade or release. According to ESPN.com, it's not a certainty that Peterson returns, as he was not happy with the way he was placed on the exempt list and felt the team had something to do with it.
Peterson has been mentioned in numerous rumors this offseason and CBS Sports reported last week that the Cowboys and Redskins could be major targets for the running back. Peterson and the Vikings may talk about restricting his deal once he is back in April following his suspension and if that doesn't work out, he could be traded or released. The Vikings have been very open about wanting Peterson back, but that could change depending on how the offseason plays out.
