Dalvin Cook is on the market, and what the running back wants from his new team is seemingly what every good running back wants: to be valued and get the ball a lot.
Dalvin Cook speaking to @TomPelissero about what he’s looking for in his next team: “I want the value. I want somebody who wants Dalvin Cook.”
Adds that he wants to go to a team that’s going to give him the ball often
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) June 13, 2023
The Miami Dolphins are a team that has valued Cook for some time, but they may not be the ideal place to give him the workload he says he’s looking for.
Not only do they have veteran running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. ready to return this season, but they also picked De’Von Achane in the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s in addition to elite wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, so Miami has a ton of options on offense even without Cook.
That doesn’t mean the Miami native wouldn’t be a valuable piece on his hometown team. He was let go by the Minnesota Vikings last week in large part because of his hefty salary rather than any lack of production on the field. The 27-year-old is coming off his fourth straight season of at least 1,100 yards rushing and fifth straight season of at least 34 receptions.
He was the unquestioned every-down running back in Minnesota and had at least 249 rushing attempts in four consecutive Pro Bowl seasons. He played 72 percent of the offensive snaps for the Vikings last season.
Miami also may not have the value Cook could be seeking in a new contract, with him reportedly not looking to give it a “substantial” hometown discount.
However, the Dolphins are the betting favorites to sign Cook, which would have the added bonus of keeping him away from AFC East rivals. The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills are right behind the Dolphins on that list, with the New England Patriots not that far behind.
Cook also may be even more valuable with a reduced workload. Last season was the first time he was able to play in every game, and Mostert and Wilson have significant injury histories. Keeping all of them fresh for a successful regular season and possible playoff run would benefit all involved.
