Cowboys A Potential Landing Spot For RB Adrian Peterson?

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, there’s a belief in NFL circles that the Cowboys could be in play for veteran RB Adrian Peterson this offseason, depending on whether the Vikings and Peterson can reach agree on a restructured contract.

Both Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Peterson have previously expressed interest in AP eventually joining the Cowboys at some point.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports also mentioned that Peterson loves Jerry Jones and the idea of winning a ring with Dallas and then retiring to Texas could be appealing to him this offseason. Robinson admits that this would likely depend on how he feels physically.

Dallas has a clear star at running back in Ezekiel Elliott, so Peterson wouldn’t be a workhorse for them like he’s been throughout his NFL career. However, he could still be an amazing backup option for the Cowboys to rotate into their offense.

Earlier in the week, Schefter reported no one expects the Vikings to pay Peterson the $6 million roster bonus he’s due on March 11.

This shouldn’t come as a pick surprise, considering that doing so would trigger an $11.75 million base salary for the 2017 season.

Schefter says that the real question now is whether Minnesota and Peterson can reach a restructured deal before March 11 or if they’ll be forced to release one of the best players in franchise history.

A few weeks ago, Peterson discussed the possibility of becoming a free agent if Minnesota declined to pick up his option during an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take.”

“If that doesn’t happen. I’ve earned my way up to that [$18 million], by the way,” Peterson said, via the Star-Tribune. “But if it doesn’t happen, [I would want] a place where me and my family are comfortable, [and] just the opportunity to compete for a championship. That’s my main goal that I want to accomplish.”

Peterson specifically mentioned that he would like to play for a contender that had a good defense, a “good offensive scheme” and “a great coaching staff.”

When asked what teams he could see himself playing for, Peterson tossed out the Buccaneers, Giants and Texans.

Peterson did say that he would like to play another five years or so in the NFL.

Peterson, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He’s currently in the second year of his three-year, $44 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $7.75 million for the 2016 season.

The Vikings will owe Peterson a base salary of $11.75 million in 2017 to go along with a $6 million roster bonus that’s due in March.

In 2016, Peterson has rushed for 72 yards on 37 carries (1.9 YPC) to go along with three receptions for eight yards receiving and no touchdowns over the course of three games.

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