When healthy, Dalvin Cook is one of the best Running Backs in the NFL. He’s a power back with tremendous burst between the lanes. At times, it appears that he isn’t trying to speed anything up, but when he hits that corner, he turns up the acceleration and he’s up the field. Dalvin has the complete package to be a Running Back. He’s fast, strong, has great vision and the best part of his game is seeing a lane wherever it is, then exploiting it. He’s always ready to turn the jets on. The Minnesota Vikings have announced that they’re releasing the veteran back. Dalvin has rushed for over 1,000 yards in the last four seasons. Who will his next team be? Let’s look at the possibilities.
1. Miami Dolphins: Just as you have, I’ve seen the rumors online. Ideally, this is the best fit for him. First, the Dolphins biggest questions right now lie on the offensive side of the football with the potential to upgrade at Tight End, Offensive Line and Running Back. Next, Dalvin is a Florida native. He played his high school ball in Miami and attended college at Florida State. I can imagine the thought of playing back in his hometown is very polarizing. From a football standpoint, Dalvin would bring real value to a backfield currently led by Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and rookie, De’Von Achane. Mostert struggles to stay healthy, Wilson is best as a change of pace back and Achane will be limited in his role as a rookie. Adding Dalvin would give the Dolphins a primary rushing option, but also a receiving outlet for Tua. He’d provide Miami with a bit of juice to the roster.
2. Denver Broncos: This is an intriguing possibility. Javonte Williams is still recovering from an ACL tear and the Broncos did sign Samaje Perine, but he’s not reliable of being that complementary piece at times. This would be eye opening for Dalvin and here’s another thing to bring up! Sean Payton is a huge selling point! Look what coach was able to do with Running Backs during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, Alvin Kamara, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush and Latavius Murray. Another thing to point out: The Broncos current General Manager, George Paton was the Vikings assistant General Manager when the team decided to draft Dalvin. Connections do mean something today.
3. New Orleans Saints: They could have a need in the backfield. On paper, the Running Back room looks strong with Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and the rookie, Kendre Miller. Alvin has an upcoming court date on July 31st and will more than likely be suspended. Jamaal operates best in a short-yardage game, and I don’t think Kendre is ready for this workload yet. This is a legitimate avenue for Dalvin to find that feature role in New Orleans. With signing Derek Carr, the Saints are aiming for the NFC division title and the division looks a bit ripe after each team finished with a sub .500 record in 2022. Dalvin would be a great supplement piece to this offense in the Bayou.
4. Buffalo Bills: They have a few options at Running Back. Damien Harris, Latavius Murray, Nyheim Hines and James Cook, the younger brother of Dalvin. For years, you all have followed me on this website or listened to me on the radio and I’ve said for the longest that the Bills need a consistent ground game to provide balance to the offense and more importantly, take pressure off Josh Allen because they rely on him way too much to bail them out and do everything. Dalvin would provide an immediate upgrade to this position room. The last time the Bills had a 1,000-yard rusher was LeSean McCoy back in 2017. Devin Singletary, the Bills leading rusher from the last four years is now a member of the Houston Texans. This could be that piece that might put Buffalo over the top in the AFC. Also, the thought of playing with his brother has to be sitting in the back of his head.
Honorable Mentions: San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys.
