Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirms a report from Mike Freeman of the B/R that the Raiders are among the interested teams in acquiring Vikings RB Adrian Peterson.
Freeman recently spoke to two general managers about Peterson following the news that he has been reinstated. The executives specifically mentioned that Cowboys, the Cardinals and Raiders as teams that could be in place for the running back.
“The Cowboys are the front-runners,” one GM said, “but I actually believe the Raiders are right there.”
However, sources tell Rapoport that while the Raiders have “some interest” in Peterson, they remain “on the outskirts” for him.
Yesterday, Jason Cole reported that there are still two issues regarding Peterson being back with the Vikings: 1) Peterson wants new guarantees added to his contract; 2) Peterson still doesn’t trust the Vikings’ front office.
The Raiders have the cap space to offer Peterson sign Peterson to a new contract, but the fact that they would have to part with draft picks to acquire a 30-year-old running back may not be the best move for a young team.
It’s worth mentioning that the Vikings have maintained all along that they have no plans to trade Peterson, and instead expect him to be their starting running back this year.
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.
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If the Raiders wouldn’t have to include ANY draft picks I wouldn’t mind. Let Peterson and the Vikings deal with their issues and wait to see if he is released, then offer him the biggest contract for 1 year and keep our picks. We have his O.C. on our coaching staff which should make a difference to him.
The Vikings will not release Peterson. He is under contract for 3 more years. Peterson has zero leverage. He will cost minimum a 1st rounder and a bit more
The more I think about it if Leonard Williams isn’t there at number 4 for us, then I’d trade that pick and only that pick. Peterson isn’t a young RB, other than that I don’t see the Vikings paying him to set on the bench.