Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is easily the biggest name available at his position, but it might be a while before he gets a new contract. The four-time Pro Bowl selection recently sat down with Tom Pelissero and discussed his future, while Pelissero and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport speculated on how much money he might get from his next deal.
🗣️ @dalvincook
On his love for Minnesota, what his new team will be getting and who's all in the mix and blowing up his phone — great chat today with the free agent running back and guest host @TomPelissero:#NFL #SKOL pic.twitter.com/8yAnuOnck3
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 13, 2023
Dalvin Cook Discusses What He Wants In A New Team, Contract
The Rich Eisen Show
As the best running back available on the open market, Dalvin Cook is going to want both a contract and a role that aligns with his impressive talents. It should go without saying, but every running back in the league would love to be a well-paid, featured part of a Super Bowl contender. However, very few teams can provide all three of those elements, and Cook appeared to make his priorities known while speaking with Pelissero.
Dalvin Cook speaking to @TomPelissero about what he’s looking for in his next team: “I want the value. I want somebody who wants Dalvin Cook.”
Adds that he wants to go to a team that’s going to give him the ball often
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) June 13, 2023
Based on this, it’s safe to assume that Dalvin Cook is going to go to the highest bidder. While he didn’t explicitly say that it’s all about the money, it’s clear that “somebody who wants Dalvin Cook” would be willing to pay up for his services. Additionally, Cook also wants to be the focal point of the offense, which isn’t a surprise. What is surprising, however, is that playing for a contender appears to be at the bottom of his priority list.
Dalvin Cook might want a massive contract, but Pelissero and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport don’t expect that to actually happen. The running back market is barren right now, and the insiders expect Cook to land a $6 million contract. On a per-year average, this would put him in the same general ballpark as guys like Miles Sanders, Austin Ekeler, and David Montgomery. So, with all of this in mind, which teams make the most sense for Dalvin Cook?
The Best Dalvin Cook Landing Spots
The Miami Dolphins are still the best fit for Dalvin Cook, as they can provide both the contract and role that the running back wants. Cook is a significant upgrade on Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, and signing him to a one-year deal would give rookie Devon Achane more time to develop. As an added bonus, the Dolphins should also be one of the better teams in the AFC.
The New York Jets are in a peculiar situation, as it’s impossible to project their backfield without knowing about Breece Hall. The running back is supposed to make a full recovery, but the team is reportedly pursuing Cook and was reportedly interested in Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2023 NFL Draft. If Hall is healthy, Cook probably wouldn’t want to split carries with the former second-round pick. However, if New York is worried about his long-term health, then this fit makes all the sense in the world.
This report effectively rules out the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. While both teams have a need at running back, they’re both strapped for cash and don’t have the financial resources sign Dalvin Cook to a contract. Even if they did, a running back will never be the focal point of an offense that includes Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen.
Of course, there are still the dark horse teams. The Baltimore Ravens are having some trouble with signing J.K. Dobbins, and if Dalvin Cook is cheap enough, they might decide to sign him and trade their homegrown talent. The New Orleans Saints, meanwhile, need to prepare for the inevitable Alvin Kamara suspension, and Dalvin Cook is considerably better than Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller. Armed with $14.3 million in cap space, this team has the financial resources to make an offer Cook cannot refuse.
Main Photo: Matt Krohn – USA Today Sports
