Running back Dalvin Cook signed with the New York Jets as a free agent this offseason, but the four-time Pro Bowler is already talking about a trade. With Breece Hall returning from his ACL injury and looking better than ever, Cook has been relegated to a backup role. Cook is not the player he once was, but he entered the season on the heels of four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. It’s safe to say that the running back expected a bigger workload, and given all the injuries around the league, there should be a few teams interested in acquiring the former second-round pick.
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Top 5 Dalvin Cook Trade Destinations, Ranked
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins publicly expressed interest in a Dalvin Cook trade when he was still a member of the Minnesota Vikings, so it makes sense that they’d go after him now. Devon Achane and Raheem Mostert have both thrived in Mike McDaniels’ offense when on the field, but both players have battled injury throughout the season. Even third-string running back Jeff Wilson can’t seem to stay healthy. If nothing else, Dalvin Cook can be a reliable option in the backfield for Tua Tagovailoa and this elite offense.
Baltimore Ravens
At their best, the Baltimore Ravens are as good as any team in the league. However, this is still an inconsistent roster, and a lot of that comes from a lack of depth at the skill positions. Mark Andrews and rookie Zay Flowers are the only reliable options in the passing game, and both Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are better off as complementary players. By executing a Dalvin Cook trade, the Ravens could improve their running game while also giving Lamar Jackson another reliable target on passing plays. Cook might be showing some signs of slowing down, but he can still be a reliable checkdown option in the open field.
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard set the league on fire during the first month of the season, but the former fourth-round pick has slowed down over the past few weeks. When in a timeshare with Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard was one of the most explosive backs in the league. However, that explosive burst seemingly isn’t there anymore, as handling a full three-down workload might be too much for the Memphis product. Jerry Jones says that they’re not going to make a big trade, but they could bend those rules for Dalvin Cook. After all, Cook originally signed with the Jets thinking he’d be in a fairly even committee with Breece Hall, and he might actually get that workload in Dallas.
Minnesota Vikings
Why not? The Minnesota Vikings parted ways with Dalvin Cook in large part because they believed they had a starting-caliber running back in Alexander Mattison. So far, Mattison has not rewarded that faith, as he looks like one of the worst starters in the league. The running back currently ranks 45th out of 50 eligible running backs in PFF grade, and the 3-4 Vikings probably want a better option as leader of their backfield. We already know that Dalvin Cook fits Minnesota’s offense, so if it would only take a Day 3 pick to secure his services, the Vikings might as well trade for Dalvin Cook.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco has easily outplayed his draft stock, emerging as a legitimate starter on one of the best offenses in football. However, much like with the Cowboys, the Chiefs do not have a competent backup to lighten his workload. Jerick McKinnon is exclusively a receiver at this point in his career, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire is nothing more than a depth player. Dalvin Cook can help ease Pacheco’s workload while also providing a safe “Plan B” in case injury strikes.
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