Earlier today, the Minnesota Vikings cut four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook after six seasons. This was a long awaited move as it had been rumored for over a month now that the team and Cook were looking to part ways whether it be in a trade or releasing him. Now with him on the market, a handful of teams must be licking their chops. In 2022, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards and had 10 total touchdowns. Here are the three most likely landing spots for Cook.
Dallas Cowboys
After cutting Ezekiel Elliot in the offseason, Dallas appears to be rocking with Tony Pollard… but what if they regenerated their two back offensive approach with Dalvin Cook. Cook would be a great player to play in order for Pollard to take a breather, but is also a big play threat. While I do think he’d be a great fit in Dallas, there is one slight snafu. Cook and Pollard have very similar play styles. They’re both receiving threats out of the backfield and both strive in zone run concept offenses. That would be the one thing that could detour Dallas from taking a flyer on Cook.
Miami Dolphins
Cook to Miami feels like an absolute no-brainer. He can still be an elite running back that uses a unique combination of speed, agility, and power to make himself a threat. He’s a fantastic single cut runner and always poses as a receiving threat out of the backfield. What the Dolphins lack on offense is a running back. They posses a dominant receiving core with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. along with a solid offensive line that’s anchored by Terron Armstead and Connor Williams, but the missing link is a running back. Cook does have a shaky injury history, but he’s a better option than anyone they have currently. Signing Cook would send Miami’s offense over the edge from good to great.
Chicago Bears
This would be an all-time heel turn for Cook. It’d be like Hulk Hogan joining NWO. Chicago lost star back David Montgomery in free agency and appear to be rocking with a “running back by committee” unit. But if they signed Cook, they would have a true number one running back and a lot of role playing backs to take the work load off Cook. I’ve said it prior, but his ability to catch passes from the backfield is enticing enough to sign him. But then you factor in that he’s a good zone running back and the pot gets sweeter. I’d hate to see him sign in division as a Vikings fan, but the Bears would be dumb to not target him.