Adrian Peterson Could Be An Option For Cowboys If They Let DeMarco Murray Go

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys could pursue Adrian Peterson as a replacement for RB DeMarco Murray next year.

Obviously, this is assuming that the Vikings release Peterson following the 2014 season, which is a possibility given his cap figure and age.

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that although Peterson has support from the Vikings’ coaches, front office and players, he reportedly believes there is at least one individual who doesn’t want to have him back.
• According to Schefter, that person is Vikings general counsel Kevin Warren, as he reportedly wasn’t in favor of Peterson returning to the team.

The Cowboys have maintained that they want to sign Murray to a long-term extension, but there has been no reported progress between the two sides in recent weeks. All signs point to Murray’s situation spilling over into next year.

Peterson, 29, is in the third year of his seven-year, $96 million contract that included $36 million guaranteed. He has base salaries of $12.75 million (2015), $14.75 million (2016), and $16.75 million (2017) coming his way over the next three years, but he’ll also be entering his thirties, which is a fairly large concern for running backs.

Peterson’s cap figures over the remainder of his contract are: $15.4 million (2015), $15 million (2016), and $17 million (2017). Releasing Peterson next year would free up $13 million in available cap space for the Vikings, according OverTheCap.com and would be enough money to address multiple positions in free agency.

Some could point to the fact that Peterson is likely to sit out the entire 2014 season if his suspension is upheld, which means he has one year less wear and tear on him.

Murray, 26, has been extremely impressive this season as he’s ran for 1233 yards on 224 carries (5.1 YPC) and scored seven touchdowns, over the course of 10 games.

We have Murray currently listed as the No. 9 player in our Top 25 – 2015 Free Agents list.