Dalvin Cook is officially on the market, and the Miami Dolphins are seemingly very interested in the standout running back. However, the Miami native reportedly may not give them a “substantial” discount on a new contract.
“As much as Cook would love to play here, he’s not looking to give the Dolphins a substantial hometown discount, according a source,” Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald wrote after the Minnesota Vikings released Cook on Friday.
“So the sense is that Cook might wait to see if a team surfaces that’s willing to pay him remotely close to what the Vikings would have paid him.”
The Vikings parted ways with Cook after six seasons. The organization had nothing but praise for the 27-year-old after terminating his contract in an effort to cut costs. By letting Cook go after June 1, the Vikings are saving $9 million in cap room and carrying only $5 million in dead money.
The Dolphins have been linked to Cook for some time, in part because of his local ties, but also due to the fact he is a dynamic player who can add another dimension to a potent offense that includes speedy receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as well as running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
Miami could face competition for Cook from the New York Jets. The Denver Broncos may be out of the running after it looked like they also had interest.
Robert Saleh on if #Jets have interest in Dalvin Cook:
“Obviously we will turn the stones over on that one, but that’s a Joe question. I’m not sure how the money works on that.”
pic.twitter.com/x7kWkYV3e3— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) June 9, 2023
While Broncos Country may be excited, it does not appear the team is pursuing Cook at the moment. Broncos like Javonte, Perine, Jones and up-and-coming backs (McLaughlin, Badie). #9sports https://t.co/w1sAG8Kwf9
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) June 9, 2023
Miami seemingly chose not to trade for Cook because of the financials a deal like that would have involved. Now the Dolphins can negotiate a salary rather than take on an existing contract.
Cook had shoulder surgery in February after gaining 1,173 yards rushing and scoring 10 total touchdowns last season, his first in which he played every game. The four-time Pro Bowler is third in Vikings history with 5,993 rushing yards.
Miami could also be looking to sign Cook in order to keep him away from another AFC East team. Cook reportedly has expressed interest in joining the Buffalo Bills and becoming teammates with his brother James, who is coming off his rookie season.
Now that Dalvin Cook is officially available, fans can expect interest to heat up around the NFL, with the Dolphins likely staying in the mix until a new deal is done.
