Rumors have been swirling for a few weeks now that the Minnesota Vikings are going to try and trade Adrian Peterson, and the potential list of suitors has dwindled as time has passed. Many teams simply cannot afford Peterson's salary; others have filled their running back needs in free agency.
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The one team that is still considered a strong possibility is the Dallas Cowboys. Team owner Jerry Jones is known to be a fan of Peterson, and AP has previously mentioned a desire to wear that famous star on his helmet. But aside from the obvious on-field effects, could a trade to Dallas also be exactly what Peterson needs to repair his image with fans around the league?
Peterson is obviously not a fan favorite right now because of the child abuse situation that got him suspended in the first place. Understandably, people were incensed that he could deliberately cause harm to his own offspring.
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But the general public is often forgiving, particularly if people pay for their offenses. Peterson has missed an entire season and suffered through a legal battle which, although now resolved, still punished him.
If Peterson wants to rebuild his image (and he surely does), then relocating will be a great first step. While in a Vikings uniform, he will remain easy to associate with the child abuse charges. Wearing a different jersey will lessen that connection.
Peterson would also be a great fit in Dallas's run-heavy attack, and he would be moving to a team that has a good chance at contending for the playoffs again in 2015. People love a winner, and seeing Peterson put up big numbers for a winning team would also shorten the road to redemption.
Peterson will never be entirely forgiven by everyone, but he can return to being a popular NFL player. Michael Vick was excoriated for dogfighting years ago, but he served his punishment, returned to the league with a different team, played well, and has largely escaped the vitriol that fans used to send his way.
Peterson could follow a similar path. A trade to Dallas (or signing with them if Minnesota releases him) could be a great first step.
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