If the Miami Dolphins or any other NFL franchise is interested in the services of Dalvin Cook, the freshly released running back's financial demands won't come cheap.
Cook and his representatives have reportedly decided that the former Minnesota Vikings standout will actively see a lucrative deal exceeding $5million annually.
Last Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings started their attempts to trade the four-time Pro Bowl running back - and if they couldn't find a suitable trade, they would release him from his current contract. On Friday, the release was made official, with Cook taking to his personal Instagram account to drop hints at his next destination.
According to the NFL Network, Cook isn't looking to offer any NFL franchises a team-friendly deal that would help them boost their chances of winning a Super Bowl. Instead, he's looking to sign a substantial contract, despite still being owed $2 million from the Vikings from his release. While exact figures weren't released on what it will take to get Cook, he won't sign for anything less than $4-$5 million.
“Dalvin Cook is not looking to sign a $4-5 million contract. That will not happen,” said NFL Network rep Tom Pelissero on 'The Rich Eisen Show.' “This is going to be a significant contract.”
Further indications revealed that Cook and his representatives were looking to secure a deal that reflects his on-field production and combines that with the self-belief of his work. While the running back's posts indicate that he is eager to settle in with a new team, the 27-year-old back's release money from the Vikings puts him in a position to weigh all options under a desired deal is presented.
Around the time of his release, ESPN reported that the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins were considered the frontrunners to make a trade for the Pro Bowl running back services as they look to bolster their backfield depth leading into next season. However, neither team took the chance of taking on the remainder of his contract with the Vikings while also sacrificing draft capital that the Vikings wanted in exchange for the player.
Three hours after his release, Cook posted photos of himself on his Instagram story -- all with relations to the state of Florida, which prematurely pointed towards hints that he would want to join a team in the Sunshine State. However, a second image depicted Cook dancing in his Vikings uniform at Hard Rock Stadium, also the Miami Dolphins' home field.
Cook has accumulated $12.8m in his six-year NFL career, all spent with the Vikings. In 2022, the running back made $8.9m in Minnesota, alongside a $500,000 roster bonus and $100,000 in workout bonuses.
If he gets a desired contract of over $5m per year, the number will propel him above Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as one of the top 10 highest-paid running backs of the 2023 NFL season.
