The Dalvin Cook Sweepstakes Just Ignited
Dustin Baker
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Dalvin Cook is about to begin the second chapter of his NFL career — probably in the AFC East.
The Minnesota Vikings released Cook on June 9th after the 27-year-old was evidently deemed too expensive for 2023 with a $14.1 million cap hit.
The Dalvin Cook Sweepstakes Just Ignited
And even before the formal release, Vikings fans speculated about Cook’s impending departure for about three months. Well, learning his new team’s identity picked up steam Thursday as Cook will reportedly meet with the New York Jets this week. He’s also tentatively on deck to chat with the New England Patriots.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted Thursday, “While Dalvin Cook prepares for a visit with the Jets this week, he’s also in talks with the Patriots about setting up a possible visit to New England, per source. Both teams have shown steady interest in the four-time Pro Bowler.”
Meanwhile, Cook confirmed some type of free-agent visit around the bend, posting to Twitter a touchdown highlight from his 2022 campaign with the caption, “Heading to the airport like…”
Here’s the tweet from Cook:
That tweet could imply Cook is also visiting the Miami Dolphins — he’s from Miami — but it is probably just a coincidence, and the Jets and Patriots trips should be considered credible.
The Buffalo Bills have also been casually linked to The Cook Sweepstakes, mainly because the club could use an extra productive runner — and Cook’s brother, James, works for the Bills. In fact, James Cook is on tap for Buffalo’s RB1 duties in 2023.
Still, Vegas odds shifted to the Patriots in recent weeks to secure Cook’s services, and Jets players have recruited Cook this summer. Also this week, new Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers restructured his contract — taking a paycut — to perhaps accommodate a few more sexy free agents. And, you guessed it, Cook is a sexy free agent.
The Vikings drafted Cook in 2017, and he manned the RB1 job in Minnesota for six years. In his stead, Minnesota will turn to Alexander Mattison at RB1, with tailbacks Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride available for support.
Cook is the Vikings third-leading rusher in team history behind Adrian Peterson and Robert Smith.
In theory, Cook could still end up anywhere — including a reunion with the Vikings — but the Jets and Patriots should be classified as emphatic frontrunners with formal visits scheduled.
Cooks turns 28 in two weeks.
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,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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