NFL insider hints at Dalvin Cook’s massive contract asking price in free agency

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook remains one of the top NFL free agents this summer after being released two weeks ago by the Minnesota Vikings. With training camp around the corner, Cook’s reported asking price could keep him on the open market for some time.

Minnesota spent months trying to find a trade partner for its Pro Bowl running back. The Miami Dolphins expressed some interest in acquiring him, then backed out of negotiations. It eliminated the only suitor who ever expressed interest in trading a draft pick for the veteran running back this spring.

Related: Why Dalvin Cook, NFL running backs face reduced paydays

The Vikings ultimately released Cook and multiple NFL teams expressed interest in him once he became a free agent. However, he hasn’t taken a visit with any clubs since being cut and it appears his contract demands could be a big part of the problem.

NFL reporter Charles Robinson shared on the latest Yahoo Sports’ You Pod to Win the Game podcast what Cook is reportedly asking from teams in his next contract.

“It sounds like he wants $10 million plus, he wants to be around that $10 million mark and there’s not a lot of takers out there for any running back at that price point at this stage. Particularly, someone with the mileage of Dalvin.”

Charles Robinson on Dalvin Cook’s contract demands in free agency

Related: One NFL team reportedly out on Dalvin Cook

The Tennessee Titans attempted to trade Derrick Henry this offseason but found a nonexistent market. Meanwhile, Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t generated any interest and Kareem Hunt only recently drew tepid attention from one team.

If Cook is seeking a $10 million salary, it would make him one of the highest-paid running backs in 2023. While he’s delivered four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and is responsible for 6,423 scrimmage yards since 2019, teams see a veteran running back in decline.

According to Next Gen Stats, Cook ranked 32nd in yards created per touch (2.4), 30th in breakaway run rate (4.5%) and 37th in true yards per carry (4.1). Furthermore, his yards after contact per attempt dipped from 2.4 (2020) to 1.9 (2021) and finally 1.8 this past season.

Related: Dalvin Cook immediately drawing interest from two teams

That’s simply not a player any NFL team would be willing to pay $10 million, or anything close to it, next season. Until Cook lowers his asking price, he’ll likely remain unsigned.

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