Fans who were wishing that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson could eventually form a lethal backfield combo in the NFC North may have to pin their hopes elsewhere. The relationship between Peterson and the Vikings has been contentious at best recently, and it appears if the former MVP still wants out of Minnesota.
"Adrian Peterson hasn't changed his mind about wanting out of Minnesota, I'm told," Peter King of MMQB.com wrote. "And if a certain domino walls - Jacksonville or Oakland overpaying DeMarco Murray and pulling him out of Dallas - then Jerry Jones might be willing to deal a good pick for Peterson...Baltimore really wants Justin Forsett back but won't overpay ... The LeSean McCoy contract ($16 million in year one in Buffalo) is having a chilling effect on Dallas' effort to keep Murray."
Jacksonville has been linked to Murray recently, and with roughly $60 million in salary cap space and a glaring hole at running, it's no surprise why. With all signs pointing toward Murray having a new home in 2015, the door for Peterson to land in Dallas is opening wider and wider every day. Of course, Peterson is not eligible for reinstatement into the NFL until April 15. However, Jones has long been a fan of the former Sooners star and would likely jump at the chance to add him to the roster. Running behind a Dallas offensive line that features three first-round picks is also an attractive option for Peterson as well.
Peterson, who will turn 30 later this month, appeared in just one game last season before being placed on the NFL's exempt list and ultimately receiving a season-ending suspension. In 2013, he rushed for 1,266 yards (4.5 yards-per-carry) and 10 touchdowns in 14 games.
Between Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, the Vikings got more than 1,100 rushing yards last year for a fraction of the $15.4 million salary cap hit Peterson will count for in 2015.
