Vegas Odds for Dalvin Cook’s Next Team Massively Shift
Dustin Baker
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Dalvin Cook is ‘taking it easy’ in finding his next place of NFL employment. The 27-year-old has hinted this offseason his desire to be patient for his new team, perhaps sailing all the way through training camp(s) examining the lay of the land.
The Minnesota Vikings released Cook on June 9th.
Vegas Odds for Dalvin Cook’s Next Team Massively Shift
And for four months, while the Vikings planned to trade or release Cook, the Miami Dolphins were considered the odds-on favorites to acquire the man from Miami. As of late, the New York Jets have become front and center in the rumor mill, too.
But as of mid-July, there’s a new Vegas frontrunner for Cook’s services — the New England Patriots.
Via DraftKings Sportsbook, The Draft Network’s Jaime Eisner tweeted the live odds for Cook’s next team on Monday:
- Patriots +150
- Dolphins +200
- Jets +400
- Broncos +1200
- Cowboys +1500
- Bills +1500
- Commanders +1500
- Bears +1800
- Giants +2000
- Raiders +2000
- Chiefs +3000
- Eagles +3000
- Browns +3500
- Bucs +3500
- Bengals +4000
In a vacuum, the Patriots leading the way in the Cook Sweepstakes is unsurprising — New England’s offense lacks weapons. Mac Jones is the QB1, and for playmaking, Bill Belichick’s team will lean into running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Ty Montgomery, with pass-catchers JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, and Mike Gesicki.
That group, by NFL standards, is a large meh. Adding Cook could enhance the Patriots offense to the utmost, especially if Cook turns back to the clock to his 2020 ways.
In early July, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter about Cook and New England, “My sense from asking around is the Patriots are at least intrigued.”
Cook departed the Vikings about six weeks ago as the franchise’s third-leading rusher in franchise history (5,993 yards) behind Adrian Peterson (11,747) and Robert Smith (6,818). His 47 rushing touchdowns rank fourth behind Peterson (97), Chuck Foreman (52), and Bill Brown (52). And his rushing yards per game (82.1) are second, only trailing Peterson (95.5).
“They have a bit of a need at running back. They want a back they can pair with Rhamondre Stevenson. Bill Belichick does sense the urgency to improve that offense,” Fowler added. The Patriots finished 8-9 last season and haven’t won a playoff game since Tom Brady’s departure in 2020.
The Patriots ranked 21st leaguewide in rushing DVOA last year. Cook is expected to decide on his next team later this month and could wait until after training camp.
If you’re keeping close tabs on Cook’s free agency, oddsmakers have slightly shifted from the Miami-or-bust prophecy, and New England must be monitored.
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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