Proving that the Miami Dolphins players are all in on this season, Raheem Mostert said he would welcome the “bonus” of adding fellow running back Dalvin Cook to the roster.
Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert, after already welcoming De'Von Achane to the backfield this offseason, said he's open to Dalvin Cook joining Miami's backfield: "It'll always be a bonus to add another RB… You saw what happened last year when we brought Jeff Wilson in."
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) July 25, 2023
Asked about the possibility of Dalvin Cook signing with the team, Mostert said it would be a “bonus” and a lot of value can come from adding another back.
Said the RB room has a lot of healthy competition.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) July 25, 2023
Even though Cook likely would eat into Mostert’s playing time, he sounded like he understands what the 27-year-old could add to an already dynamic offense. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is in support of adding Cook as well, but is deferring to the players already signed up for training camp.
Asked about the possibility of the Dolphins signing RB Dalvin Cook, Ramsey said he’d be happy to reunite with his old Florida State teammate but he’s focused on the players in the building.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) July 25, 2023
Cook has been on the open market since early June when he was released by the Minnesota Vikings in a cost-cutting move. The Miami native is thought to be a perfect fit for the Dolphins, but reportedly is not yet willing to accept their contract offer.
With training camps opening around the NFL, now is the time for available players to find spots of their likings so they can get to work and adjust to their new surroundings. The Dolphins fortunately are able to move forward without Cook as they have Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie De’Von Achane already heading up their running back depth chart.
Receiver Tyreek Hill has been effusive when talking about the offense this offseason, saying its potential gives him “goosebumps.” But adding Cook could take the unit to another level. He is coming off four straight seasons with at least 1,100 rushing yards and is an adept pass catcher out of the backfield. The Florida State product recently was ranked as the No. 8 running back in the NFL in ESPN’s annual survey of the position.
The Dolphins already reportedly were facing competition for his services from the New York Jets, but the fellow AFC East rival Buffalo Bills may increase their interest after learning that they have lost running back Nyheim Hines for the season reportedly to a freak knee injury. The Bills already have Cook’s brother James, who as of now is expected to be their No. 1 running back.
It sounds like at least a few players on the Dolphins would welcome the addition of Dalvin Cook, which could make a possible transition more comfortable for everyone involved. But the longer it takes, the tougher the assimilation process could be.
