Miami Dolphins could still add Dalvin Cook under one key condition

The offseason has been littered with rumors of Dalvin Cook being traded to the Miami Dolphins. Now that June 1 has passed, reports of Cook touching down in Miami have seemingly only increased due to how the Pro Bowl running back’s contract is structured.

If the Minnesota Vikings had moved on from Cook earlier this offseason, they would have suffered additional salary cap penalties. But now, moving on from the 27-year-old via trade offers up to $11 in savings, while incurring a dead cap charge of $3.1 million.

Reports suggest the Vikings could still be open to restructuring their starting running back’s contract this offseason, yet others suggest Cook could be released if the front office is unable to find a trade to their liking. Obviously, if the Vikings decide to move on from their talented dual-purpose back, a trade would be the best outcome from the team’s perspective.

Not only because they’d be able to pick up some assets, likely future draft capital, but also due to the financial implications. Releasing Cook would only offer savings of up to $9 million with a cap penalty of $5.1 million, saving the team very little.

Yet, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald believes the best possibility for Cook to end up with the Dolphins is if the Vikings release the six-year-pro. Jackson goes on to note that there is no “secret agreement” between the two teams, yet if Cook were released, “there would be interest on both sides” in seeing a return to Miami for the Florida native.

The Dolphins have long been searching for a back with home-run potential. Cook would immediately become RB1 on a depth chart that also includes Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and De’Von Achane, the team’s third-round pick in April.

Despite having to miss time with various shoulder injuries, Cook has racked up over 1,000 rushing yards each of the past four seasons with the Vikings. While they may have Alexander Mattison waiting in the wings, it doesn’t appear the team is in a hurry to move on from their longtime starter, at least not for free.