In fact, an unidentified Cowboys source told Yahoo! Sports that not only is the team unwilling to part with the pick or picks and compensation such a deal would take but also, as it stands, Dallas hasn’t even spoken with the Vikings about Peterson.
MORE: Latest NFL mock draft | Six teams in mix for Peterson?
The Cowboys, at this point, appear headed toward drafting a running back, with Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon the most frequently mentioned in the Dallas Morning News’ run-up to the draft. Whether either of those players will be available with the Cowboys’ first pick (27th, barring a trade) is another matter.
Would Peterson love to play in Dallas? Yes. Is the Cowboys’ brain trust (or even team owner Jerry Jones) willing to part with the draft compensation and money it would take to land Peterson? As of the beginning of draft week, the answer is an absolute no.
Among other teams in which Peterson has expressed interest and the feeling is mutual, the Cardinals also don’t seem eager to part with what it will take to acquire the running back. Yahoo points to the Bucs as a potential landing spot “not because the Buccaneers would have an interest. It’s because Tampa’s second-round pick, 34th overall, is still high enough that it could pass muster as a centerpiece trading chip.”
Bottom line: Vikings GM Rick Spielman will make the call, and he’ll have to be blown away by an offer given that the Vikings consider themselves a playoff team with Peterson on the roster.
