Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is reportedly close to 100%, which means a team could trade for him in the coming days. The four-time Pro Bowler has reportedly been on the block for quite some time, and now that he’s healthy, there is nothing stopping other teams from acquiring the former second-round pick.
From NFL Now: Still-#Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is making good progress following labrum surgery, reports @TomPelissero from the pool. We break down what it means… pic.twitter.com/dHiSeLuiw4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2023
A Dalvin Cook Trade Seems Imminent After Latest Report
The Surgery Update
After starting and appearing in all 17 games last year, Dalvin Cook underwent surgery to fix a nagging shoulder injury that had been bothering him since the 2019 season. Reports indicate that the surgery went according to plan, which means that the 28-year-old should be in the shape of his life heading into 2023. So, why would the Vikings trade Dalvin Cook?
The answer to that question comes down to money. Cook currently carries a $14.1 million cap hit this year, which is remarkably high for a running back. Trading him will clear $7.89 million in cap space, or an even $11 million if the team designates the move as a post-June 1st transaction. This financial incentive combined with the fact that Minnesota re-signed Alexander Mattison heavily implies that Cook’s days with the Vikings are numbered.
Of course, it takes two to tango, which means that the Vikings will need to find a suitor. Fortunately, that shouldn’t be too hard. Dalvin Cook is still one of the best running backs in the league, and any team trading for him would only be responsible for a portion of his cap hit. He’d make all the sense in the world for a contender, but which teams are most likely to make a move?
Teams That Could Trade For Dalvin Cook
The most obvious fit here is the Kansas City Chiefs. Led by the elite duo of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the Chiefs have the best offense in football, but they could certainly use more help at running back. The Clyde Edwards-Helaire experience is officially over, and Isiah Pacheco is better off as a rotational back. Reid hasn’t had a true three-down back since Kareem Hunt, and Cook could go crazy in this offense.
Alternatively, Minnesota could also try to strike a deal with the Buffalo Bills. Damien Harris is a solid early-down threat and James Cook has potential as a change-of-pace player, but they don’t hold a candle to Dalvin Cook. The Bills need a physical back that can punish defenders in cold-weather games, and nobody fits that bill better than Cook.
Of course, the Bills aren’t the only AFC East team that could try to trade for Dalvin Cook. The Miami Dolphins re-signed Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson in free agency, but neither player is anything more than a stopgap option at this point in their careers. Dalvin Cook could be the missing piece for this offense, and the Dolphins should be doing everything possible to reduce the number of hits Tua Tagovailoa takes next year.
Last but certainly not least is the Baltimore Ravens, and this one comes down to health. If J.K. Dobbins is actually healthy and back to his old self, then Baltimore would have no reason to trade for Dalvin Cook. However, if the injuries have taken their toll on the former second-round pick, then they should consider adding Cook into the mix. The Ravens run the ball more than any other team, and having somebody like Cook should only make their dangerous ground game all the more terrifying.
Rooting for JK Dobbins. But this does not look great. pic.twitter.com/VIDr48klAU
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) December 12, 2022
