Report: NFL teams believe Minnesota Vikings will release or trade Dalvin Cook

The Miami Dolphins could benefit from improving their depth at the running back position, and Dalvin Cook might soon be available.

The 27-year-old is still under contract with the Minnesota Vikings. However, reports have been floating around that he and the Vikings could part ways in the near future.

“I’m told Dalvin Cook is down in South Florida working out,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said about the situation. “He’s cleared off that torn labrum that had surgery this offseason. So, he’s good to go, and he’s sort of awaiting his fate. I’m told the Vikings are willing to hold onto his $14 million cap hit for now until they figure out what to do. They want to do right by the player but teams I’ve talked to believe that he’ll be in a new uniform via trade or release. And there should be a market for his services. Now, I’m told that he loves Minnesota but he’s open to a fresh start, and Miami could be an intriguing option. They’ve been linked to Cook in recent months.”

Cook hasn’t played for any NFL team other than Minnesota. The organization drafted him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and it didn’t take long for the Florida State University product to turn a lot of heads around the league.

In his very first game suiting up for the Vikings, he broke Adrian Peterson’s franchise record for rushing yards in a rookie debut, finishing the contest with 127 yards on 22 carries.

Unfortunately, Cook tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2017 campaign, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. As a result, the league had to wait several more months to see the explosive running back reach his potential.

By his third campaign, he had established himself as one of the best players in the NFL, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Cook has now made the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons. In each of those seasons, Cook has had at least 1,135 rushing yards.

The 2022 season was the first in which he’s suited up in every game. However, he was set back by an offseason shoulder surgery. On a positive note, he isn’t slated to miss any time in the upcoming regular season. The question now is if the 2023 season will see him play for Minnesota or another team.

The Dolphins would surely be an intriguing option for Cook, who is a Florida native.

Miami already tried to bolster its running back depth by drafting De’Von Achane in the third round of the recent draft. But he, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. aren’t as decorated as Cook. Only time will tell if a player of Cook’s caliber finds his way to the Dolphins.