Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook could find a new home fast with the Miami Dolphins should the perennial Pro Bowler be released.
If the Minnesota Vikings were to move on from Dalvin Cook, don’t be shocked if his hometown Miami Dolphins quickly sign him in his NFL free agency.
While the Dolphins certainly kicked the tires on possibly acquiring Cook last year from the Vikings via trade, nothing manifested. Cook is a top-five running back in the league and could be on his way towards a hall-of-fame-caliber career. However, his contract is pricey and he’s not getting any younger. Should he be released, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald (subscription may be required) sees Cook as a fit with Miami.
Cook’s potential release may have more to do with head coach Kevin O’Connell really liking what he has in his backup Alexander Mattison than anything. The second-year head coach sees him as a three-down back. That’s great and all, but I think the Vikings would be worse by letting Cook play somewhere else. As for the Dolphins, I think he might actually be just what their offense needs.
Mike McDaniel is known for his ability to run the football effectively, but this chart of 2023 NFL unit grades shared out by Mike Clay suggests the Dolphins are certainly below average in that category.
So by picking up Cook, you would be getting a Miami native in the twilight of his prime, a Florida State legend and a potential hall of famer with something to prove on a team that is on the come up? Sign me up for that yesterday!
NFL rumors: Miami Dolphins may sign Dalvin Cook if Minnesota Vikings cut him
What we saw out of the Dolphins a year ago was certainly impressive. McDaniel definitely got his guys to buy in. While they do have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, the big question that remains is the long-term health of franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. I wish him nothing but the best, but I don’t want to see him get another concussion this early into his playing career. It is so sad…
However, one area where the Dolphins can improve and put Tagovailoa in more advantageous situations to succeed is to really solidify the ground game. Cook is an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands, as are wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. If Tagovailoa can hand the ball off a few more times, speed the game up and cut out a few unnecessary hits, that’d be sweet.
I think it would be cool to see the Cook brothers duke it out for AFC East supremacy. Keep in mind that Cook’s younger brother James is entering his second season out of Georgia with the Buffalo Bills. While they have played in the NFL for a year together now, having them compete twice annually, maybe three times if you include the playoffs like last season, who wouldn’t love that?
Should Cook be released by the Vikings, seeing him go to the Dolphins would be a fantastic move.