Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
There are Dalvin Cook rumors circulating that the Vikings could release the RB after June 1, but which teams should swoop in to sign him if he is?
For the majority of the offseason, there has been speculation that the Minnesota Vikings could ultimately part ways with running back Dalvin Cook. Now it seems like those rumors might be heating up even more.
There are unsubstantiated rumors that the Vikings plan to release Cook post-June 1, a move that would save Minnesota $9 million against the cap and, more importantly, avoid having to pay an inflated contract to a running back, a real faux-pas in the modern NFL.
While that may be the case, though, cutting Dalvin Cook would be a monetary move for the Vikings, not one based on performance. The Florida State product has remained one of the best backs in the league, even amid a number of minor injuries. If he’s cut by Minnesota and is looking for a new team, there should be a plethora of suitors.
These three NFL teams in particular, however, should be ideal Dalvin Cook landing spots, especially at what should be a discounted price.
Dalvin Cook rumors: Buffalo Bills could use an upgrade at RB
Who doesn’t love a good brotherly pairing on an NFL team?
Of course, pairing up Dalvin Cook and James Cook wouldn’t be the only reason that the Buffalo Bills should have interest in the Vikings running back if he hits the free agent market.
Buffalo has made a strong effort this offseason to improve the situation around superstar quarterback Josh Allen. They drafted Dalton Kincaid in the first round to give him another weapon in the passing offense, they’ve been rumored to be in the DeAndre Hopkins trade market, they bettered the offensive line, and they signed Damien Harris to be the power option to James Cook.
While I’m probably more favorable of Harris than most people, the fact of the matter is that Dalvin Cook is a substantially better and more proven NFL running back. More importantly, while he’s brothers with James, they are also great complements to one another in a backfield.
The current Bills running back, drafted in the second round in 2022, is a shiftier player who seems to offer more as a pass-catcher than a traditional back. While Dalvin is a capable pass-catching weapon, he’s a much better between-the-tackles runner.
Putting him in this offense would further take pressure off of Allen and establish a more consistent and effective running game. In turn, the Bills would take a step forward in their quest to win a Super Bowl.