Is Dalvin Cook to the Dolphins a Thing?

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That would be a fun storyline for the veteran Vikings running back, right? Imagine a scenario where Minnesota can work out a trade with Miami, and Dalvin Cook gets to head home.

Born in Miami, Florida, and playing his college ball for the Seminoles at Florida State, finding a way to reunite with his roots has to be somewhat enticing for Dalvin Cook. Right now, he seems to be at an impasse with the Minnesota Vikings, and finding a resolution should come sooner rather than later.

Is Dalvin Cook to the Dolphins a Thing?

Owning a roughly $14 million cap hit for 2023, there is no denying that Minnesota is staunchly against carrying that number. Bringing back veteran backup Alexander Mattison for less than half of that total also signifies the sides talked about an expanded role for one of the league’s best number two’s.

Is Dalvin Cook
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Online oddsmaker Bookies.com has the Dolphins as the favorite to land Cook, and the fit is obvious. Whether or not the two sides can hammer out a deal remains to be seen.

In some circles, it would be fair to think that the production still capable from Cook could net a third-round selection. After all, he was healthy for each game in 2022, which he accomplished for the first time in his career. Complicating that, however, is the waning results on the field and an offseason shoulder surgery that could cause pause for a new team.

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Playing against Miami last season, it wasn’t until Cook ripped off a late-game touchdown scamper that truly put things away for Minnesota. There’s no doubt he would love to have an opportunity for that to be a regular accomplishment in the year ahead.

Recently Cook’s agent suggested people are noticing that his running back is trending toward Hall of Fame numbers. While that may be debatably true, NFL teams are not interested in paying for previous performance, especially not for a guy with the mileage Cook already has on him. The focus for any new suitor will be to evaluate just how much they believe Cook has left in the tank, and that will drive any discussions around acquiring him.

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Ultimately, he’d be another fan-favorite that leaves Minnesota. It would be difficult to swallow, but the roster churn has made it all but necessary. Piecing out Cook for nothing shouldn’t happen, but finding a way to facilitate a deal with the Dolphins may be optimal for everyone involved.


Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.