Minnesota Vikings: Seeking High Value with Adrian Peterson

By Ben Ryan | Apr 19, 2015

Adrian Peterson is back ladies and gentleman. The All-Pro running who missed just about all of the 2014 season, has been reinstated by the NFL. There’s been a lot of question about the future of Peterson and his future with Vikings; unless they can get a great player in a trade, Peterson may be back in Minnesota next year.

According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, the Vikings would seek “at least” a first-round pick for the elite running back. Preferably the Vikings would be looking for a starting cornerback, which seems to be their biggest necessity coming into the 2015 draft.

More from Minnesota Vikings

There have been rumors about the Oakland Raiders being linked to a possible trade with Peterson, but if they are, they certainly won’t be alone. The Raiders will be joined by the Dallas Cowboys and possibly the Arizona Cardinals in the hunt for Peterson. The only problem is that Peterson has an absurd amount of money to his contract.

Peterson is still under contract for the next three years is owed just about $50 million, $12.75 million for 2015. The Raiders have $12 million more than the Cowboys in cap space, so if anything were to happen, Oakland would technically be the front-runner if you’re talking financially.

While the Raiders are in first in that category, what would Peterson even do for them? Yes, he’s an elite running back, but if their offensive line can’t block the broad sign of a barn, Peterson will be in trouble.

Darren McFadden was projected to be a fantastic running back in the NFL, he was drafted fourth overall in the 2008 draft after all. When he was selected to Oakland, he was supposed to help turn that team around. Up to this date, he’s had one season where he’s had over 1,000 rushing yards (2010, 1,157.)

Even though McFadden battled a few injuries here and there, he never lived up to the hype; granted this could also be due to the O-Line problems. Last year, however, was a little bit different. The line wasn’t terrible and they played well which also helps since they have their quarterback with Derek Carr.

Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) warms up prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

It all really depends who is willing to pick up the contract. It’ll be tough for each team.

Scraping out the money he’s worth, plus considering the talent one of these teams would have to give up; it all seems slightly unrealistic. Also, let’s not forget Peterson just turned 30 years old. Regardless of the rest he’s had, taking a gamble seems a tad risky.

The Vikings could more than likely find a starting cornerback in a trade with them though. If not, they’re still obviously connected to one with their first round pick. The 2015 draft is a very deep one with the amount of talent available. A possible consideration for the Vikings to consider would be to pick up a cornerback in the second round of the draft.

Connecticut’s Byron Jones should be available early in the second round. Considering the Vikings either want a first rounder, or a starting player and a second round pick, Jones is something to think about.

Jones’s draft stock rocketed since the combine, where he really showed off his athleticism. Breaking the broad jump record at 12 feet and three inches…which is insane to think about how far that is.

If the Vikings in fact do want to gamble the bate with Peterson, some teams will be willing to bite on it. The options are all there and they’re in control. They control the destiny of the future with Peterson, they show that they don’t want to move him. If they do, it’s going to cost a team some valuable essentials.

Next: DeVante Parker is the Safe Pick

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Minnesota Vikings