Dallas Cowboys Sign A.J. Jenkins, Adrian Peterson Rumors Persist
With new wide receiver A.J. Jenkins now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, and Adrian Peterson rumored to be on his way, the Cowboys are looking ahead in hopes of building on last season’s success, which included their first playoff win since 2009.
Jenkins is San Francisco’s former first-round pick, but appeared in just three games as a rookie in 2012 before the 49ers traded him to Kansas City the following year. He had 17 catches for 223 yards in 25 games for the Chiefs in the last two seasons. The 25-year-old hasn’t been a big factor so far in his career, but the Dallas Cowboys are hoping he can open up the field for Dez Bryant to have more room to make some plays. In addition, Dallas’ Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley, who combined for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Cowboys last season, figure to be vying for plenty of catches from quarterback Tony Romo as well.
While it’s still only a rumor, many Cowboys fans are hoping the team is able to sign Peterson, who has asked to be traded from the Minnesota Vikings. A source close to him told Yahoo Sports that Peterson lans to skip the Vikings’ organized team activities (OTAs) in hopes of sending the message that he wants to be traded. While a trade to Dallas is still only a rumor, it persists to be one of the most talked about rumors regarding Peterson’s future, and the Cowboys certainly could use an upgrade to their backfield after losing Pro Bowler DeMarco Murray, last season’s top rusher. Murray even set a franchise single season rushing record for the Cowboys by rushing for over 100 yards in 12 games.
But Peterson would come with his own set of challenges for the Cowboys. Peterson agreed to a plea bargain in November that reduced his felony child abuse charges down to a single charge of reckless assault. Additionally, the 30-year-old running back has spent eight years in the NFL, and Cowboys officials may be wondering how much more physical abuse his body will be able to endure.
Still, having Peterson on Dallas’ roster would force teams to figure out how to stop both him and Romo. Peterson has rushed for over 10,000 yards in his career and over 80 touchdowns. He would be the most prolific rusher the Cowboys have had since Emmitt Smith.
Dallas’ schedule is full of tough matchups, including both of last season’s Super Bowl contenders, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. But with their schedule never sending them west of Dallas, the Cowboys are hoping this is the season it all comes together.
The Dallas Cowboys begin pre-season play against the San Diego Chargers on August 13 and open the regular season by hosting the New York Giants on September 13.
[Image via Fansided]
