Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins isn't the only big-name
skill-position player on the move. The Minnesota Vikings are expected to
release four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook on Friday, per NFL Network
Insider Tom Pelissero.
If a last-minute trade is not worked out, it doesn't mean that Cook will
have a hard time finding work -- and he should have several legitimate suitors
for his services if he ends up a free agent. After all, the soon-to-be
28-year-old has logged just over 1,500 career touches and should still have
some mileage left coming off the first season of his career in which he started
every game.
So, where might Cook end up? Here are seven teams that make the most sense. Long
considered the top contender for Cook, Miami makes the most sense to me. The
Dolphins' biggest questions right now lie on the offensive side of the ball,
with the potential for upgrades at running back, offensive line and tight
end.
Perhaps the latter two are bigger voids on paper, but that shouldn’t prevent
Miami from adding Cook. Considering the Dolphins engaged in trade talks with
the Vikings about Cook, per Pelissero, it’s hard not to see why there would be
even more interest now.For one, Cook is a Miami native, having won a state title at Miami Central
Senior High School, and might want to return home. But more importantly, he
would add real value to a backfield currently led by Raheem Mostert, Jeff
Wilson Jr. and speedy rookie De’Von Achane.Mostert is a capable starter, but he has struggled to stay healthy,
including last season, when a broken thumb ended his campaign before the
playoffs. Wilson is best in a change-of-pace role. Achane is 188 pounds and
could be limited to spot duty as a rookie.
Cook would give the Fins a primary running option but also a receiving
outlet. He might be not elite in the pass game, but he would give Tua
Tagovailoa another checkdown option. For a team that’s eager to build on a
postseason appearance, Cook could provide a bit of juice to the roster.The Broncos were never likely to trade draft picks -- something they've been
short on after dealing away selections for Russell
Wilson and Sean Payton -- for Cook, no matter how much they liked him.
But if he were to become a free agent? Perhaps that changes things.
Payton is a major selling point, even if playing with Wilson doesn’t carry
the same luster it once did. Payton’s success with backs in New Orleans figures
to help Denver’s case. Look what the former Saints coach did over the years
with Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Pierre
Thomas and Latavius Murray.
Denver parted with a couple backs recently, and don’t forget that Broncos GM
George Paton was the Vikings’ assistant GM when they drafted Cook. Javonte
Williams is still very much in the mix to start, and the team signed Samaje
Perine to play an important role this season, but Williams’ recovery from an
ACL injury can’t be forgotten and Perine has always been a complementary piece.
That makes Cook seem like a possibility here.Sean Payton’s former team could have a need in the backfield. Right now, the
Saints look pretty firm with Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and 2023
third-rounder Kendre Miller heading up the position. But Kamara has a July 31
court date stemming from battery charges in Las Vegas and his future remains
murky.
Kamara also has seen his productivity decrease the past two seasons and has
more NFL touches than Cook. If you figure Williams operates best in a
short-yardage role and not as a true workhorse, and Miller might not be ready
for significant duty, then there might be a legitimate avenue for Cook to find
a featured role in New Orleans.With the Derek Carr signing, the Saints are
indicating they’re aiming for a division title this year -- and the NFC South
looks ripe for the picking after every team finished below .500 with a negative
point differential a year ago. Cook could be a fine supplement
Comments