Free agent running back Dalvin Cook is looking to latch on with a team after the Minnesota Vikings released the Pro Bowler during the spring.
Cook is the latest example of the market for running backs being bone dry in today’s NFL. Unfortunately for the star back, news Thursday evening might not help matters.
According to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, a court filing in a civil domestic violence case against Cook claims that he offered Gracelyn Trimble $1 million to clear his name.
“Cook’s initial offer of $800,000 came with a requirement that Trimble sign a sworn affidavit denying abuse claims, the document said. But Trimble has already testified under oath that Cook physically abused her. The $1 million offer required Trimble to send a letter — not sworn testimony — to the NFL absolving Cook of wrongdoing.”
Report on Dalvin Cook domestic violence case ‘
Back in 2021, Trimble filed a lawsuit against Cook alleging physical and emotional abuse. In turn, he filed a defamation lawsuit against her. Neither case has been settled.
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Dalvin Cook stats (2022): 1,173 rushing yards, 295 receiving yards, 1,468 total yards, 10 TD
While this claim is unlikely to be allowed as record in a court of law, it’s already public record. That could very well have an impact on Cook’s market with training camps opening here soon.
On the field, he’s been among the most consistent running backs of the past half decade. However, that didn’t get Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs too far in extension negotiations with their respective teams.
Fair or not, these claims could very well impact interest in Cook given how the running back position itself is viewed in today’s NFL. In the process, it adds another layer to the drama we’re currently seeing unfold around the league today.
