With DeMarco Murray expected to join the Eagles, maybe it’s time to explore another big splash the Raiders could make. He turns 30 this month, but every indication is that Adrian Peterson is leaving Minnesota – most likely by way of a trade.
Peterson, of course, comes with off-field baggage and a whopper of a contract. His base salary each of the next three years is $12.75M, $14.75M, and $16.75. But what makes him an intriguing option is his guaranteed salary – it’s all been gobbled up by the Vikings. After this year, the Raiders could cut Peterson without owing a penny and without dead money. Yes, it’s as if the contract was drawn up by Reggie McKenzie himself.
Peterson’s cap hit is at least $15 million each of the next three years. That won’t be appealing to anyone, but with the Raiders limping to reach the cap floor, it could be more easily justified.
The Raiders don’t necessarily need to upgrade at running back and the draft is loaded at the position. But since Oakland was in on Murray, it’s possible they would have some interest in Peterson. The money has to be spent somewhere, right?
