Dolphins need Dalvin Cook after failing to trade for D’Andre Swift
The Minnesota Vikings officially released Dalvin Cook Friday, and it could have multiple teams interested in acquiring the former Pro Bowl running back. One of the most intriguing potential landing spots for Cook would be down in Miami. Surprisingly, the Dolphins inquired about former Detroit Lions and current Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift during the draft and obviously did not succeed.
But it now may end up being for the best if they can acquire Cook.
Cook would likely have an immediate impact on a team that made major strides last season under head coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins upgraded their defense this offseason with the addition of three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, which makes the secondary — alongside Xavien Howard — arguably the scariest in the NFL.
What is most intriguing about the Miami Dolphins however is their speed on offense. Their two top wide receivers include one of the fastest players in the NFL, and the fastest player in the NFL. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill can create space and separation from defenders using their speed.
The Dolphins’ leading rusher in 2022, Raheem Mostert, also increases the overall speed of an already fast offense. Pairing him with an every-down back like Cook could be lethal.
When healthy, Cook has displayed the capabilities of a top-five running back in the NFL. He has surpassed 1,100 rushing yards in four consecutive seasons. He has also scored at least ten touchdowns from scrimmage in three out of the last four seasons.
The Dolphins are in need of a true every-down rushing threat like Cook, especially if they plan to make a playoff run in the fully stacked AFC.
The difference between the amount of Super Bowl contenders in the AFC and NFC is pretty astounding. The Chiefs, Bengals, Bills and more all seem to have solid chances of representing the conference in Super Bowl 58. Teams such as the Dolphins, Jets and Chargers have all made major offseason trades and acquisitions in order to catch up to the teams above them.
Miami has rebuilt and resurrected a team and franchise that was tanking miserably just a few years ago. After making the playoffs last season as a Wild-Card team, they will hope to take the next step this year. The question as to whether or not Cook makes them a true contender in my opinion is a resounding yes.
Running back is one of the few positions that was a prominent weak spot for Miami in 2022. Despite not having his best statistical season last year, the Miami native would very likely be very happy back home in South Florida.
Acquiring a player like Dalvin Cook puts the Dolphins in a position to win now.
