The Miami Dolphins delivered one of the biggest moves of the NFL offseason by trading for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Following the 2023 NFL Draft, Miami could make another big addition to improve its Super Bowl odds.
As more NFL teams become more economical at running back, preferring players on rookie contracts to the highest-paid running backs, many NFL veterans are in trouble. The Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott this spring and Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon is increasingly likely to be cut.
- Dalvin Cook stats (career): 5,993 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
The Minnesota Vikings are also weighing a significant change. After shopping running back Dalvin Cook around the league, the four-time Pro Bowl selection now faces an uncertain future. With the Vikings increasingly likely to spend a top pick on a running back, Cook could be released.
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Minnesota hasn’t completely shut the door on its star running back returning in 2023. However, his $14.1 million cap hit is unsustainable for a team with just $1.825 million in cap space. If the Vikings can’t find a trade partner for him and the right running back is available on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, Cook could be released later this offseason.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins would likely inquire with Cook if he is released by the Vikings. Furthermore, there is believed to be mutual interest between the two sides if he hits NFL free agency.
Cook was born in Opa-Locka, Florida and starred at Miami Central High School. Rated as the No. 1 recruit in Florida for the 2014 recruiting cycle, Cook stayed close to home and became a star with the Florida State Seminoles.
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Heading into his age-28 season, Cook isn’t quite as explosive as he used to be. According to Next Gen States, 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.
- Dalvin Cook stats (2022): 1,468 scrimmage yards, 10 total touchdowns, 4.4 yards per carry, 67.4 PFF grade
While the Dolphins re-signed Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., Cook would provide them with an upgrade at running back. He could be a three-down player, with Mostert and Wilson Jr. splitting reps as his backup to keep Cook fresh.
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For now, Cook remains on the Vikings’ roster and his release isn’t imminent. If Minnesota is unsuccessful at finding a trade partner for him, though, cutting him becomes a legitimate possibility with the Dolphins poised to swoop in if the opportunity is there.