Former Vikings CB Wants Dalvin Cook to Join Him
Dustin Baker
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Dalvin Cook could be traded or released in the coming days or weeks, and his former teammate is sending up smoke signals to join him.
That’s in the desert with Kris Boyd, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals eight days ago.
Former Vikings CB Wants Dalvin Cook to Join Him
Cook has a large 2023 cap hit — $14.1 million — and his status on the roster seems uncertain with the 2023 NFL Draft nine days away. Last Thursday, Vikings general manager Adofo-Mensah was asked about Cook’s future with the team, and it would’ve been rather straightforward to comment that Cook is under contract and expected to be a part of the 2023 team. But the young executive declined, instead stating, “Conversations are always ongoing with him. We’re trying to be solution-oriented always, trying to put the roster together within our constraints.”
And if Adofo-Mensah’s noncommittal stance comes to fruition, Boyd is already on the recruiting pitch.
The post screams come play with me, although it is unclear why Cook would join the Cardinals. Arizona is embarking on life with a new coach, an injured quarterback, and status in the league’s cellar, at least per a wins forecast. Because quarterback Kyler Murray is recovering from a torn ACL — and may not play much in 2023 — Arizona’s win ceiling is low. Cook, who will turn 28 this summer, likely wants to win as he possibly begins his career’s second or final chapter.
At running back, the Cardinals employ James Conner, Keaontay Ingram, Corey Clement, and Ty’Son Williams. Conner is productive and often a touchdown machine, but he’s not quite a bellcow like Cook.
Whether Cook is released or traded — or resumes his career in Minnesota via paycut — is unclear. The Vikings allegedly attempted to shop Cook around the first week of free agency, possibly to the Miami Dolphins, but an agreement never materialized. Cook had surgery recently to repair a shoulder that hindered his play for three seasons — if that can be believed — so he should be in good shape for his age-28 season.
Boyd, on the other hand, will hope to earn an impactful job in the Cardinals defense. In Kevin O’Connell’s first year with the Vikings, Boyd rarely played on defense, instead utilized as a special teams guru. Perhaps he’ll earn more defensive snaps in the desert — what he always wanted in Minnesota — or he might evolve into the Cardinals special teams ace, akin to his role last year.
Arizona ran the ball to the tune of 27th-most in the league last year — otherwise known as sixth-least. With a healthy Cook, if Boyd gets his wish, Cook can change that.
The Cardinals have additional Vikings on the roster besides Boyd — quarterback David Blough, linebacker Blake Lynch, and cornerback Nate Hairston.
The Vikings and Cardinals last traded in March of 2021, a deal that awarded offensive lineman Mason Cole to Minnesota. Arizona received a 6th-Round pick and used it to draft cornerback Tay Gowan. Yes, that’s the same Tay Gowan now on the Vikings depth chart.
Meet the Frontrunner to Land Dalvin Cook
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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