4 Potential Landing Spots for Dalvin Cook
Josh Frey
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This past week, the Vikings officially decided to part ways with their four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. With the six-year veteran officially on the free agency market and able to sign with any team, where will he land? Here are four potential landing spots for Cook in 2023.
Miami Dolphins
This feels like an unlikely scenario, but apparently, the Dolphins expressed interest in Cook during the NFL Draft, so perhaps now that he is a free agent, Miami could still pursue the veteran running back.
Even still, their backfield is chock-full of talent right now, especially after taking Devon Achane in the third-round of the Draft. Cook may be overkill, but if the goal is to take pressure off Tua Tagovailoa as he tries to come back from his numerous concussion issues last year, then perhaps an extra RB could be beneficial. Plus, this would be the homecoming story for Cook, who grew up in the area.
Denver Broncos
Denver could be a dark-horse to sign Cook for a few reasons. Firstly, George Paton is the GM after spending a number of years with the Vikings franchise prior to taking the lead in the Broncos front office.
In addition, the health of Javonte Williams could play a role here. The hope in Denver is that the third-year running back will be ready to go for Week 1 after his torn ACL last season, but if he isn’t, or even if he simply isn’t at 100%, Cook could be a nice complement to take the pressure off.
New Orleans Saints
The quiet storyline of this offseason revolves around the availability of Alvin Kamara this season. There is a very good chance that he could be suspended for a large chunk of the 2023 season if not for the entire campaign.
New Orleans added Jamaal Williams in free agency, but the expectation is probably that he will be used more in the red zone and around the goal line. They also added Kendre Miller in the third round of the draft, but an explosive playmaker like Cook could greatly help the Saints offense.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo would probably be the coolest landing spot for the former Vikings running back since their is already another Cook with the Bills. Buffalo drafted Dalvin’s brother, James, in 2022, and he totaled 89 carries for 507 yards and a pair of touchdowns during his rookie campaign.
Pairing the Cooks together in the backfield could finally solve the long-running issue in Buffalo of where they will get production other than from Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. Could that be the solution to them capturing that elusive Lombardi Trophy?
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.