We've seen it all before. The disgruntled player who wants out. The franchise that isn't willing to relent. It's a familiar story at this point and it's one that is playing out right now. The Minnesota Vikings continue to insist that they aren't going to trade running back Adrian Peterson. Despite this, the Dallas Cowboys have repeatedly been mentioned as a popular landing spot for the former MVP.
Of course, it isn't impossible. The Cowboys have not shied away from bold moves in the past. But owner and general manager Jerry Jones has taken a more disciplined route recently. Consider that Peterson, 30, still has three years remaining on his deal and is due a base salary of $12.75 million in 2015.
"The Cowboys weren't willing to sink that kind of money into DeMarco Murray, who is three years younger than Peterson. Why do it for the Vikings star?" David Moore of the Dallas Morning News wrote.
The Cowboys have already added defensive end Greg Hardy this offseason. Not only does he come with a high one year salary, but he always comes with a lot of public backlash due to his involvement in a domestic violence incident last year. Adding Peterson could create a public relations storm of epic proportions.
There's also the little problem of compensation. The Cowboys would likely have to fork over a first-round pick if they wanted to trade for Peterson. Why sacrifice that type of draft capital for a 30-year-old running back? This seems especially fool hearted when you remember that this year's draft is deep with talented running backs. Georgia's Todd Gurley and Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon would look great running behind a Dallas offensive line that features three first-round picks.
Again, it's not impossible. Jones and "OMG" moves have typically gone hand-in-hand during his tenure. But there is just too much downside to a trade for Peterson at this point.
