Top 3 potential destinations for Dalvin Cook
If the Vikings cannot find a trade partner for running back Dalvin Cook, the Minnesota Vikings plan on releasing him, it was reported Thursday.
Cook, 27, is coming off a really solid season, playing 17 games for the first time in his career. Cook also had 1173 yards, the second-highest tally of his six-season career. Minnesota had been shopping Cook this offseason, but instead decided to bail on the back after failing to find a suitor.
The Vikings extended Cook to a five-year, $63 million deal in 2020, paying him $14 million every year until 2025. Minnesota didn’t think it was worth it at that price tag.
There’s no doubt that Cook has a few years left in him at least. In a league that is increasingly neglecting older running backs, Cook has seemingly grown better with age. Now that he’s a free agent, where will Dalvin Cook end up? Let’s examine a few possible destinations.
Miami Dolphins
There have been non-stop rumors that Cook will end up with Miami since the moment Minnesota started shopping him. In an already loaded offense, Cook would be another threat with top-end speed as a one-cut runner who fits well in Miami’s scheme.
Miami re-signed Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. as their top backs for this season. They spent a third-round pick on Devon Achane. The Dolphins have certainly invested in the running back position after finishing 25th in the league in rushing yards last year.
Cook grew up near Miami in South Florida. Miami is a pristine destination for any player, but it has a special place for Cook. He went to school at Florida State. When Minnesota played the Dolphins in Miami last year, Cook scored the game-winning touchdown. This marriage makes too much sense.
Chicago Bears
Oh man, the Bears have to be licking their chops at the chance of getting Dalvin Cook. The No. 1 rushing offense in the league lost premiere back David Montgomery in free agency. Khalil Herbert is a very good player and will excel behind Cook in that offense. D’Onta Foreman has also signed this offseason, so he could be a good wrinkle to throw in as well, not to mention taking Darnell Wright in the first round is just another weapon for Chicago’s rush game.
Chicago still has the most cap space available in the league after a big offseason of spending. The spending likely isn’t done this offseason, so why not pursue Cook?
Imagine the rushing schemes you could come up with Justin Fields as your quarterback and Cook as your RB1? What about the two back sets with Herbert and Cook? It would elevate Chicago’s offense. They’d also love to stick it in their division rival’s face following last season. Expect Chicago’s brain trust to push hard for Cook in the coming weeks.
Denver Broncos
Plug Cook into this offense the Broncos would immediately be a threat to have the best one-two punch in the league at the position. Cook and Javonte Williams would be a lethal combo. Not to mention it would bring the pressure off Williams, who is coming off a torn ACL and LCL.
Adam Schefter reports that Denver is one of two suitors who have shown heavy interest in Cook, alongside Miami. The move would make sense, Cook would provide a spark to Denver’s offense which was amongst the worst in the whole league.
Russell Wilson could really use that difference-maker running back that he had in Seattle with Marshawn Lynch. If you have a back like Cook, it could take the pressure off the passing game, allowing Wilson to thrive in his second year as a Bronco.
Will one of these three destinations end up with Dalvin Cook, or will it be someplace else?
***
SUBSCRIBE to the Vendetta YouTube Channel!
SHOP for Vendetta Merch!
SUPPORT Vendetta on Patreon!
CHECK OUT our Vendetta NFL Content Here.
