Report: Colts on Adrian Peterson's List of Preferred Teams

The Vikings and running back Adrian Peterson are meeting today in what could be a huge turning point in the saga.  There is certainly a real chance that the star running back could become available, and because of the Colts' need at the position and the money they have to spend, many have linked the two sides together.  Even Adrian Peterson's father, Nelson, said that he has heard "rumors" about the Colts, Cardinals, and Cowboys being interested in a trade for Peterson.

Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported yesterday that, while Peterson hasn't ruled out a return to the Vikings, he has a list of five teams that he prefers to play for: the Cardinals, Colts, Cowboys, Chargers, and Buccaneers.  Furthermore, Robinson reported that Peterson is willing to take a pay-cut as a part of the trade, down from the $12.75 million base salary that he is owed this year and the $15.4 million cap hit.

It's important to keep in mind that the Vikings don't have to trade Peterson even if the running back wanted out, as they could pay his salary and keep him around.  But if the relationship between the team and the back doesn't improve, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the two sides divorce and for Peterson to be playing elsewhere next year.  Of course, the overwhelming favorite would be Dallas, but it sounds like the Colts might be on Peterson's short list of preferred teams as well.

We don't know for sure of the Colts' interest, but it's likely that Peterson being willing to take a pay cut would increase the Colts' interest.  They do need a running back and they do have money to spend, so they will be linked with Adrian Peterson, DeMarco Murray, or any other big-name player at a position of need this offseason.  Whether or not there will be any pursuit whatsoever by the Colts of Adrian Peterson is yet to be seen, but it sounds like there might at least be interest from Adrian Peterson in teaming up with Andrew Luck to play for the Colts in Indianapolis.