Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins are the two biggest names on the free agent market, and the two might team up in the coming weeks. Speaking to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the running back said that it would be “epic” to play with Hopkins next year. The only question is, which teams have the need and resources to sign both of the big-name free agents?
Four-time Pro-Bowl RB @dalvincook says it would be “epic” to team up with free-agent WR @DeAndreHopkins.
Plus, fantasy tips on which players to draft and which players to avoid from ESPN’s @MikeClayNFL.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 20, 2023
6 Teams That Could Sign Dalvin Cook And DeAndre Hopkins
Confirmed Visits
Let’s start by looking at the teams that have publicly expressed interest in either Dalvin Cook or DeAndre Hopkins. Cook has yet visit with any of the 32 teams, but Hopkins has already visited the Tennessee Titans and the New England Patriots. Right off the bat, it’s safe to say that the Titans would have no interest in signing Cook, as they already have a great three-down workhorse in Derrick Henry. The New England Patriots, however, could be an ideal fit.
The Patriots have a clear need at wide receiver, but Rhamondre Stevenson is one of the better young running backs in football. While some teams would happily utilize him as a three-down player, Bill Belichick historically likes to have multiple running backs capable of handling starting duties. Following the release of James Robinson, the only other running backs on the roster are Pierre Strong, Ty Montgomery, and Kevin Harris. Armed with almost $15 million in cap space, New England has the financial resources required to sign both DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook. If the two end up signing with the same team, it will probably with the Patriots.
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Other DeAndre Hopkins, Dalvin Cook Destinations
Looking around the league, the two teams with major needs at both running back and wide receiver are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills. Both of these contenders could use another offensive weapon or two, but the biggest question will be how they make the money work. Kansas City has less than $1 million in available cap space, but they could free up to $16 million with a Chris Jones extension. If Kansas City strikes a deal with Jones, then perhaps they could pursue Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins. The Bills, meanwhile, should be far more interested in signing Hopkins, as Stefon Diggs is reportedly upset with the organization restructuring his contract and not using the extra money on a superstar. Using that extra money to bring both players to northern New York would not only make the team better, but would improve the chemistry in the locker room.
The Miami Dolphins need to monitor DeAndre Hopkins following the Tyreek Hill news. For those unaware, Hill is currently under investigation for allegedly assaulting a man on a fishing boat. As we know from experience, the NFL’s threshold of guilt is substantially lower than the United States justice department, so if he receives a suspension, the team could turn to Hopkins to replace him. Obviously, Miami could also use Dalvin Cook, but we’ve talked about that a lot.
The other two darkhorse candidates are the Baltimore Ravens and the New Orleans Saints. Baltimore added wide receiver talent during the offseason, but they still lack a guy capable of lining up wide and winning contested passes. J.K. Dobbins, meanwhile, is holding out for a new contract, and if they can’t agree to terms, then there is a chance that Baltimore decides to part ways with Dobbins and go after a more proven runner in Dalvin Cook.
The Saints wide receivers have plenty of upside but, outside of Chris Olave, all carry a lot of risk. DeAndre Hopkins would provide some much-needed security to the depth chart and shouldn’t stop guys like Rashid Shaheed from breaking out. Dalvin Cook, meanwhile, would be the ideal replacement for Alvin Kamara when he inevitably gets suspended.
Main Photo: Michael Chow – USA Today Sports
