Cardinals Could Pursue A Trade For Adrian Peterson?

Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports reports that the Cardinals have been clearing cap space since the release of veteran DL Darnell Dockett to a make a run at Vikings RB Adrian Peterson.

• Getlin adds that a source familiar with the Cardinal’s plans has denied having interest in Peterson.

Charles Robinson has said that if Peterson were to be dealt, the Cardinals would be his top choice.

In fact, Robinson lists the Cardinals as Peterson’s the No. 1 choice followed by the Colts, Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Chargers.

Adrian Peterson‘s father told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press on Friday that the Vikings could be trying to boost his trade value by saying that they want to bring him back next year.

“They can increase his worth by saying, ‘Hey, we want him back,’’’ Nelson Peterson explained. “That’s part of negotiations. Even if you don’t want a player, you’re telling the public, you’re going to tell everybody else that you want him back because therefore you can increase his value in case you try to trade him or whatever. You can get more for him in that way. You never know what’s going to happen now.’’

The Vikings sent HC Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman to meet with Peterson in Texas earlier in the week and while Peterson said that the meeting went well, there’s a chance that his preference is to move on.

Robinson reported earlier in the week that Peterson would consider restructuring his contract to facilitate a trade out of Minnesota if this ends up being a necessary move.

According to Robinson, Peterson continues to have an open dialogue with the Vikings about his future and has already considered potential trade destinations.

A separate source tells Robinson that Peterson has entertained the idea of returning to the Vikings next year, even though he’s thought through a possible trade.

Robinson adds that even if Peterson were to request a trade, the Vikings could refuse and simply pay him the $12.75 million salary he has coming his way next season.

Peterson, 29, still has another three years remaining on his seven-year, $96 million contract that included $36 million guaranteed. Over the next three years, Peterson stands to make base salaries of $12.75 million (2015), $14.75 million (2016), and $16.75 million (2017).

As for his cap figures, the Vikings are looking at $15.4 million (2015), $15 million (2016), and $17 million (2017).

According to OverTheCap.com, trading Peterson would free up $13 million in available cap space and create $2.4 million dead money.

Peterson appeared in just one game for the Vikings and ran for 75 yards on 21 carries (3.6 YPC) while adding two receptions for 18 yards receiving and no touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding the Vikings and Peterson as the news is available.