For months, there have been rumors surrounding running back Dalvin Cook’s potential departure from the Minnesota Vikings, and it appears to be actually happening, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the team plans to release him on Friday.
The Miami Dolphins are one of the teams that have been following Cook’s situation closely, as they almost traded for him earlier in the offseason, but the contract and compensation appear to have come in the way.
Now, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Miami is expected to have significant interest in the running back now that he’s set to be a free agent on Friday. However, they aren’t the only team, as Schefter also mentioned the Denver Broncos as serious players in the sweepstakes.
The Dolphins may have returned all four of their veteran running backs from last year (Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed) and brought in two rookies (De’Von Achane and Chris Brooks), but they don’t have someone as talented as Cook.
The 27-year-old is set to enter his seventh season in the NFL, and he’s made the Pro Bowl in each of his last four seasons. He’s an impressive dual-threat back, who can hurt teams with his rushing and receiving ability.
Last year, in 17 games, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.4 yards per attempt while adding another 295 and two scores on 39 receptions.
If the release goes through, the Dolphins can now structure a contract that would work well for both sides without giving up draft picks to bring him in. And, with Cook hailing from Miami, the aqua and orange might be the perfect landing spot for the former Florida State Seminole.
