Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been reinstated by the NFL after his suspension this past November for a no contest plea in an “incident of abusive discipline” on his young son. Now, the rumors are really going to start swirling about whether or not he will get his wish and get out of Minnesota, but could he end up with the Dallas Cowboys ?
As ESPN reported, Adrian Peterson will be officially reinstated on Friday, seven months to the day after he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. He played in just one game in 2014, but how he’s free to return to the Vikings or another team if he ends up being traded.
“Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was advised today that effective tomorrow he is reinstated as an active NFL player and may participate in all scheduled activities with the Vikings,” the NFL said in a statement.
“In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell, Peterson was informed that he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas, as well as the additional commitments Peterson made during his April 7 meeting with the commissioner regarding maintaining an ongoing program of counseling and treatment as recommended by medical advisors.”
Now, Peterson’s agent has made it publicly known that his client no longer wants to be in Minnesota. The Vikings have let it be known that they won’t release him, but have never said that he won’t be traded.
NFL.com brought up the fact that Adrian Peterson has said he is “ uneasy ” about returning to Minnesota. The running back feels they didn’t support him during his legal issues and he wants a fresh start with a new team for 2015.
Rumors have long been talked about that he could be traded to the Dallas Cowboys or Arizona Cardinals. Either team would have to free up enough to cover Peterson’s salary, but you can be that they would try to do just that if he was up on the trading block.
The Dallas Cowboys have heard the rumors of Adrian Peterson being traded to them, but obviously can’t publicly speak on it. Head coach Jason Garrett has spoken about the talent that Peterson is, but nothing more, and that’s the smart thing to do for now.
If the Dallas Cowboys are hoping to make a trade run at running back Adrian Peterson, the first obstacle has been overcome with his reinstatement by the NFL. Should the Cowboys or Cardinals not be able to end up getting involved in a trade for him, Peterson will really have no other option but to play another season with the Minnesota Vikings.
[Image via Patheos]