To Be A Dallas Cowboy: Is Adrian Peterson Worth It

We’ve all heard the rumors. Ever since the Minnesota Vikings star running back, Adrian Peterson, made a phone call to Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, during a George Strait concert at AT&T Stadium to express his interest in joining the ‘Boys. Jones’ response did nothing but fuel the rumors.

"Jones coyly said to Peterson,”Well, we’ll see what we can do, if we can make that happen. Hmm hmm … I’d like that, too … Well, we’re talking pig Latin here, but let’s see if we can do that … We’re talking pig Latin here, but let’s see what we can do about that. OK, Adrian, thanks.”"

At the time, Jones would have been out of his mind to deny the phone call. In the season prior, Peterson was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, and still he totaled 1,266 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 4.5 yards per carry. Peterson is a special talent, but Jones was unaware of the baggage that Peterson would soon unveil.

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In September of 2014, Peterson’s barbaric parenting practices would come to light, when he was accused of hitting his four year old child with a switch, leaving the boy with multiple open and bloody wounds and many bruises.

The unfortunate thing about professional sports is the character flaws that we’re willing to look past for a productive player; the fortunate thing about professional sports– at least for troubled players– is that if you’re good enough, you’ll get a second chance.

Peterson may get that chance for the Cowboys if Jones and Co. are willing to pay a hefty price. ESPN’s Bill Polian believes that it would take multiple first round picks to land Peterson’s services.

Whoa there, Polian. We’re talking about a 30 year old running back with a significant ACL injury behind him who missed 15 games in 2014 due to suspension.

If you use traditional rules about trading for a player, trading for Peterson instantly seems like a bum deal. However, you have to remember, even at age 30, that Peterson is a top 5 talent in the league. There is only a handful of people on the planet who will ever have the kind of talent that Peterson offers Big D.

Dallas fans will compare any 2015 running back– newly acquired Darren McFadden or otherwise– to the production of former Cowboy, DeMarco Murray, in 2014. Murray set a Cowboys franchise record, pacing greats such as Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett, with 1,845 yards. Add on the 13 touchdowns, 115.3 yards per game, and 2,261 yards from scrimmage and it’s safe to saw that Murray had quite the season.

Although he had all the yards and all the accolades, the thing that sticks out about Murray’s season is his work load. Murray had more touches that Dorsett, Smith, or Peterson ever totaled in a single season.

Would Peterson similarly thrive with the Cowboys emphasis on the run? It’s more than likely. The last time that “All Day” rushed over 300 times in a season, he hit the elusive 2,000 yard milestone, ending the 2012 season with 2,097 yards on the ground. And that’s without the holes created by three young, first round, All-Pro, offensive lineman.

Yes– barring injury, Peterson would likely have a season to remember in Dallas. He may set records, win accolades, and maybe bring home the Lombardi Trophy. He very well may be the one missing link in the 2015 Super Bowl formula.

However, with Peterson’s $15,400,000 cap number in 2015, the price for his trade, and his social baggage, is Peterson worth the cost? For a Super Bowl, I think Jerry Jones would be a buyer.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Draft Day Dilemma: Todd Gurley Or Melvin Gordon?

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To Be A Dallas Cowboy: Is Adrian Peterson Worth It?

By Luke Roling | Apr 4, 2015

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