There are rumors that the Dallas Cowboys might be preparing room for Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Yahoo Sports reported that the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo restructured the latter's contract which will eventually clear up about $12.8 million in salary cap space for the team in 2015. Considering how disenfranchised running back Adrian Peterson is pegged to earn $12.75 million with the Vikings in the nearing season, talks circulated that a deal might be happening between the two teams.
Star Tribune reported, "The Cowboys haven't pursued a trade for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, but if that were to present itself, they now have more salary cap space to work with after the Romo restructure. A source close to Peterson has said the running back won't take a pay cut to change teams."
Previously, Jerry Jones and Peterson also had a small chat with Peterson saying that he wanted to retire a Cowboy, being a fan of the team since he was a kid. Further speculations arose considering how Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, used to be an assistant for the Dallas Cowboys for many years. There is some potential that the Vikings might decide to let the disgruntled Peterson go, together with his $45 unguaranteed contract for three years.
Dallas News reported that even if the Cowboys are willing to take Peterson's huge contract, the team might not use him for all three years. The Cowboys also have Dez Bryant, who wants the ball in most situations. If Peterson plays for the Cowboys but does not match the carries and yards that DeMarco Murray previously accomplished, he might be released immediately.
In another report by Dallas News, the Cowboys might be better off drafting a running back and allowing Darren McFadden a few carries. They can save the extra cap for getting more good players at value.
In the meantime, Zimmer and Minnesota are keen on keeping Peterson. Zimmer also mentioned that they expect Peterson to honor his contract, being one of the highest paid backs in the league. The Vikings have to decide if it is worth keeping a player who expressly wanted out, despite earning a huge base salary. It is rare in the NFL that teams give in to players demanding a trade. Cheatsheet reported that if Peterson refuses to cooperate and threatens to retire if the Vikings do not trade him, Zimmer said that he will grant the running back's wishes.