Like Jim and Pam from "The Office", will they or won't they is the question that comes to mind when you think about Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings. Jason Cole of Bleacher Report claimed that Peterson requested a trade to the Dallas Cowboys, while Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press said that that is not the case.
Did Peterson request a trade? Will the Vikings grant it? Would they ever consider releasing AP? All of these questions are in play right now. Assuming Peterson somehow does become available, which other teams are possible landing spots for the former MVP?
Oakland Raiders
"The Raiders, first of all," Bleacher Report NFL Analyst Chris Simms said when asked where Peterson could end up. "Latavius Murray and [Maurice Jones-Drew] are the only two running backs that are viable options that are on the roster right now. Latavius Murray I really like. I don't think MJD will be on the roster when the 2015 season starts. They're young; they don't have a ton of depth there. Like I said, they got a ton of money. I think that would make sense from that standpoint."
A ton of money is right. The Raiders are expected to have around $50 million in salary cap space to play with this offseason. Wouldn't it make sense for Oakland to guy out and buy a bunch of shiny new toys with all that money? The team is reportedly intent on upgrading its wide receiving corps this offseason to help with quarterback Derek Carr's development. But having a strong running game to fall back on wouldn't be so bad either. The Raiders ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (77.5) last year.
There are worse scenarios than your second-year QB handing the ball off to the best running back of the last five years.
Miami Dolphins
"Dolphins, they don't have as much money free agency wise, only around $4 million," Simms said. "But they need a running back. They got a young, talented offensive line. They got some weapons at receiver. Defense is good. The one piece missing there is a running back. I think that could make a lot of sense."
Lamar Miller, 23, is coming off the first 1,000 yard season of his career. He notched 1,099 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while also catching 38 passes. Even though Miller doesn't strike fear into opposing defenses, the former fourth-round pick has improved in each of his three seasons. With such limited cap space and Miller playing well, the Dolphins may be best suited by staying out of any potential bidding war that breaks out for Peterson. Especially with quarterback Ryan Tannehill's contract situation posing a serious question mark.
